“The failure of the state to act decisively against these groups has created a dangerous impression that people have the right to violate the rights of others simply because of their nationality or perceived immigration status,” said Amnesty International South Africa‘s Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed.

The organisation warns that vigilantism is being normalised, with acts occurring in the presence of police officers while suspected undocumented migrants are pulled from their homes. The Immigration Act does not give private individuals or groups the legal authority to conduct immigration enforcement. Only immigration officers and SAPS members are legally authorised.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Misago (Senior Researcher and Co-Director, African Centre for Migration & Society) noted: “The ultimatum was reinforced through threats and acts of violence. While it had no legal basis, it nevertheless functioned as a credible threat that many migrants could not safely ignore.”

Read the article in the SABC.

[Image Credits: REUTERS/Rogan Ward]