South African leader warns against violent protests

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against vigilantism and intimidation ahead of nationwide protests against undocumented immigration, emphasizing that law enforcement is the responsibility of the state. He acknowledged public frustration and ongoing government reforms to strengthen immigration control and combat corruption, while drawing parallels between current vigilantism and the oppressive pass laws of the apartheid era. Ramaphosa stressed the constitutional obligation to protect all residents, regardless of their immigration status, and called for a path of law, dialogue, and justice.

• President Cyril Ramaphosa warned against vigilantism and mob justice ahead of nationwide protests against undocumented immigration.
• He stressed that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the state and must be conducted through legal and constitutional processes.
• Ramaphosa acknowledged public frustration over illegal immigration and announced ongoing government reforms to strengthen border management, enforcement, and combat corruption.
• He drew a direct comparison between modern vigilantism and apartheid-era pass laws, emphasizing that private citizens cannot assume law enforcement powers.
• The president reiterated the government’s constitutional obligation to protect foreign nationals legally residing in South Africa.
• Ramaphosa urged citizens to choose law over lawlessness, dialogue over confrontation, and justice over vengeance.