South Africa has arrested about 80 members of vigilante groups allegedly involved in xenophobic attacks targeting migrants, as the government moves to crack down on illegal groups taking the law into their own hands and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the rights of everyone living in the country.
The arrests were carried out across five to six provinces as part of a broader security operation aimed at restoring order and ensuring that those responsible for acts of violence and intimidation face prosecution.
The announcement was made by South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, during the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday.
The event, themed “The Future of Nigeria-South Africa Relations: Advancing Bilateral Cooperation in a Changing World,” brought together government officials, diplomats and business leaders to discuss the future of relations between both countries.
Speaking at the forum, Prof. Moroe said South Africa’s Constitution protects the rights of every person living in the country, including both documented and undocumented migrants.
He stressed that while the government recognises concerns over illegal migration, only law enforcement agencies and immigration authorities have the legal responsibility to enforce immigration laws.
According to him, no private individual or vigilante group has the authority to intimidate, attack or remove migrants from their communities.
“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,” Moroe said.
Moroe disclosed that security agencies have already arrested about 80 suspected members of vigilante groups operating across five to six provinces.
He said authorities remain committed to stabilising affected communities while ensuring that every suspect is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to the envoy, the arrests demonstrate the government’s determination to tackle criminality regardless of who is involved.
“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,” he said.
The Consul-General also rejected claims that the South African Government supports or orchestrates attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
He described such allegations as misinformation that has contributed to unnecessary diplomatic tensions and negative public perceptions.
Moroe maintained that the actions of criminal groups should not be mistaken for official government policy or the views of ordinary South Africans.
He added that the government condemns all forms of violence, discrimination and human rights violations, regardless of who the victims may be.
Beyond addressing security concerns, Moroe called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa in areas such as trade, investment and political engagement.
He noted that both countries have maintained more than three decades of uninterrupted diplomatic relations built on shared history, mutual respect and solidarity.
The envoy also acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution to South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, describing it as a foundation for continued partnership between the two countries.
Earlier at the forum, Chairman of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ije Jidenma, represented by the chamber’s Vice-Chairman, Mr. Ajibola Olomola, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation.
Olomola said the organisation would continue promoting business partnerships, encouraging investment and supporting trade between Nigerian and South African companies.
He added that stronger collaboration between the private sectors of both countries would help unlock new opportunities for economic growth.
The breakfast forum attracted senior government officials, diplomats and private sector leaders from both countries.
Among those in attendance were the Country Manager of South African Airways in Nigeria, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, representatives of MTN Nigeria, members of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators and other stakeholders committed to strengthening bilateral relations.
The discussions concluded with renewed calls for deeper cooperation, peaceful coexistence and continued efforts to protect the rights and dignity of all residents, irrespective of nationality or immigration status.
