The South African Government has arrested about 80 suspected members of vigilante groups allegedly linked to xenophobic attacks and other criminal activities targeting migrants, the country’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has revealed.
The Punch reported that while speaking on Wednesday at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Forum in Lagos, Moroe said the arrests were made across five to six provinces as authorities intensified efforts to curb unlawful actions by self-styled vigilante groups and ensure offenders face justice.
The forum, themed “The Future of Nigeria-South Africa Relations: Advancing Bilateral Cooperation in a Changing World,” focused on strengthening cooperation between both countries.
Moroe stressed that the South African government does not condone attacks on migrants, noting that the country’s constitution guarantees protection for both documented and undocumented foreigners.
“About 80 people involved in these criminal acts and who are members of vigilante groups have been arrested across five to six provinces, and the law is taking its due course.
“In South Africa, we have witnessed acts of criminality by vigilante groups calling for illegal migrants to return home and taking the law into their own hands.
“But let me be clear on behalf of my government that the South African Constitution protects both regular and irregular migrants.”
He added, “Only competent law enforcement agencies and immigration officers have the legal standing to deal with migration issues.”
The envoy rejected allegations that the South African government was behind attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals, describing such claims as false.
According to him, the actions of the vigilante groups neither reflect government policy nor the views of the South African people.
He said, “In Nigeria, we have seen direct reprisals and pushbacks as a direct response to what is perceived as an onslaught by the South African government against migrants. I can tell you for free, this is fake news.
“These acts of criminality by groups taking the law into their own hands do not represent the sentiments of South Africans.
“The government condemns all acts of criminality and violations of human rights against any individual, whether a South African national or a foreigner, because the Constitution protects everybody. No individual in South Africa is allowed to take the law into their own hands.”
Moroe said security agencies were actively working to restore order, adding that those responsible for the attacks would be prosecuted.
He said, “We are working daily to stabilise the environment and bring perpetrators to book. About 80 people involved in these acts of criminality and members of vigilante groups have been arrested in about five to six provinces, and the law is taking its due course.”
The Consul-General also urged Nigeria and South Africa to deepen their long-standing partnership, noting that both countries have enjoyed 32 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations rooted in shared history and solidarity.
He further acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution to South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, expressing optimism that bilateral relations would continue to flourish despite periodic challenges.
Earlier, Chairman of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ije Jidenma, who was represented by the chamber’s Vice-Chairman, Mr. Ajibola Olomola, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to enhancing trade and economic cooperation between both nations.
He said the chamber would continue fostering business collaborations, promoting subnational partnerships and encouraging greater trade and investment opportunities between Nigeria and South Africa.
The breakfast forum attracted business leaders and key stakeholders, including the Country Manager of South African Airways in Nigeria, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, representatives of MTN Nigeria, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators and other members of the private sector
