Siphelele Nketo
UMUZIWABANTU Local Municipality in Harding has placed it on record that immigration enforcement is the constitutional responsibility of the Department of Home Affairs, working with SAPS and other relevant law enforcement agencies.
The municipality further said it does not have legal authority to arrest, detain or deport undocumented foreign nationals, though it continues to play an active role in coordinated multi-agency compliance operations.
The municipal response came after criticism on social media platforms that they were not doing enough in relation to illegal foreigners.
Municipal mayor Sboniso Zungu said the allegations that the municipality is not participating in efforts to address illegal immigration are inaccurate and misleading.
“Our record speaks for itself. We have worked closely with the Department of Home Affairs, SAPS and other stakeholders in several successful joint compliance operations that have resulted in arrests, convictions and the enforcement of municipal by-laws,” he stated, adding that the municipality will continue to fulfil its role by coordinating compliance operations, supporting law enforcement agencies and ensuring that businesses operating within the area comply with all applicable legislation.
The municipality further stated that a clear example of commitment was demonstrated during joint compliance operations conducted in the Harding CBD in April. During this operation, illegal immigrants were arrested, prosecuted and convicted.
The municipality also said another joint operation conducted on April 24 resulted in the inspection of five businesses and the confiscation of two illegally erected containers and tyres from non-compliant businesses.
During the operation, four undocumented foreign nationals were arrested for being in possession of fraudulent documents. Zungu said these successful operations clearly demonstrate that Umuziwabantu Municipality has not stood aside from efforts to promote compliance and public safety. He said the municipality has actively coordinated and participated in joint enforcement initiatives within the scope of its legal mandate.
