BREAKING: Over 10,000 Undocumented Foreigners in Durban Reportedly Refuse Transfer to Lindela

[00:00:00]All of them are undocumented and illegal in this country. So, there's two processes that we are following. We're following a process that is called repatriation.

[00:00:10]>> Shock and controversy in Durban.

[00:00:13]Reports claim that more than 10,000 undocumented foreigners have refused to be taken to Lindela, raising serious questions about what happens next.

[00:00:22]What is really behind this dramatic standoff? Stay tuned as we dive into the main story. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more breaking news updates.

[00:00:34]>> What is the process actually? You talk to people, you find out their status, they go to court, and are all of them illegal? What's the figure at the moment? How many are illegal or how many have chosen to go and are legal?

[00:00:45]>> The issue of the legality, whether they are legal or not legal, I explained to that none of these people is legal.

[00:00:52]All of them are undocumented and illegal in this country. So, there's two processes that we are following. We're following a process that is called repatriation. If it's repatriation, that is a process that is funded by the government of Malawi because the government of South Africa can't pay for repatriation. And the second process is that one of deportation. When it's deportation, we have to follow the route of deportation, which means people have got to go to court and be confirmed for for deportation, that is in terms of our immigration act. So, those are the two processes we're following.

[00:01:26]>> There's a lot of attention, international attention now. The UN has also said this doesn't look good for South Africa. Um what's your response?

[00:01:34]Are you doing your best here to treat people in a humane way?

[00:01:37]>> First point is that these people here were not brought by the government of South Africa to this site. They came and decided to camp in this site, and they are saying that they would want to be repatriated. So, the responsibility of the South African government is to ensure that they do get the necessary documents for them to go home within these two processes I've applied.

[00:01:59]>> Of course the South African government is also worried or rather South African officials are also worried that there are some people that are taking advantage of the situation. Maybe just to speak to us in terms of that. Are you worried that there are people that are using this operation as a free bus ticket?

[00:02:17]>> Obviously there is that kind of a situation that we seem to be picking up here because you could see some other people are in a position that they can be able to afford transport back home. But obviously when you get to be informed that there is some form of free transport back home, given the fact that you single trip to Malawi on a bus cost not less than one two 3,000 per person. So if that is then the case, it means when an opportunity like this, people would then jump into that opportunity. So there might be those that are chance takers.

[00:02:52]>> But sir, wouldn't you agree that most of these people are here because they're scared? Because they've been threatened that they would be punished if they don't leave this country.

[00:03:00]>> No, they're not going to be punished by the government of South Africa.

[00:03:03]>> saying that.

[00:03:04]>> Who is who is going to punish them?

[00:03:06]>> Well, they could thrown out by their landlords everybody tells us because they're afraid that they will be marched on and March for instance or others. They've been They've been threatened. They're not here because they want to be here.

[00:03:19]>> Yes, we do understand that. Remember that the government is well aware of the 30th March sorry the 30th of this month deadline by some other pressure groups not by the government. So we understand that people would have come to to this particular site based on that on that factor only. That is why we're saying that we didn't bring them here. They listened to the calls that were being made by those groups to say that you must have leave this left left left this country by the 30th of June and that's why they feel that they are scared but not necessarily from the government.

[00:03:51]>> Final question from me just to clarify just quickly. There is no government deadline for the 30th. Can we just >> Government has never issued any deadline. We dealing with any illegal person in a legal way. That meaning to say, once you have been identified as an illegal person in this country, we need to to apprehend you, take you through our court processes and deport you accordingly. Which is an process that is a everyday process. As immigration officers go out in terms of inspections and checking who is not who's not documented in the country.

[00:04:28]>> The home affairs just write for us. He said we go to Marah, but he take the other people to send to Lindela. So that's the problem. So if you want to send us to Lindela, just take straight. Some people there's lot of people around here, so as you can see. So you have to TALK STRAIGHT. WHY ARE you taking us to to Lindela now? We don't want to We don't want to go to >> We ARE HERE >> TO ASSESS YOU ALL.

[00:04:51]YOU ALL WANT TO GO HOME?

[00:04:53]WE ARE MAKING ARRANGEMENTS with the government.

[00:04:56]We have no place here.

[00:04:59]There's no place here for you all. You all can see it's full. We over 10,000 people here.

[00:05:04]Sober.

[00:05:05]Sober.

[00:05:06]There's over 10,000 people here. It's >> I don't think there is any country in the world which would agree to undocumented and illegal immigration to its territory because undocumented and illegal immigration to any country poses existential threat to that country from a security point of view, from a resource allocation point of view, from a sovereignty point of view, from an external and internal security point of view. If you have got a lot of undocumented people in your system, you will not know what to do and what not to do in relation to all issues that relate to the allocation of resources, that relate to just how you deal with the security questions in your own areas. Now, there issues which of course we must then be able to then respond to and deal with which in many instances are presented as if these are progressive politics by a lot of political leaders from different formations. One mistake which the progressive movement in its entirety must not make is try to delegitimize the legitimate concerns of the people, whatever number they are. To delegitimize the concerns of our people is not revolutionary. You must always be on the side of the people. To be a revolutionary means that you must be on the side of the people and be able to articulate their perspectives, their views, their grievances with exact precision and understanding in a manner that is going to bring about a long-term solutions to whatever issues that our people are raising. And one of the questions which we want to give to the progressive forces or left forces in South Africa is that we must not stand on the sidelines and insult people who are raising legitimate issues around immigration.

[00:07:06]Let me be specific to say that there is no wisdom, there is no revolutionary consciousness, there's no revolutionary clarity. There is nothing tactically superior in insulting the match and match processes that are led by Jacinta Ngobese Zuma, by Ngizwe Mchunu, by Pagad, Takat, and all of the people who are at the forefront of raising and otherwise legitimate issues.

[00:07:33]>> South African authorities say a number of undocumented persons have been arrested after allegedly infiltrating the country through illegal crossing points near the border. According to reports, members of the South African National Defense Force, commonly known as the SANDF, carried out the operation as part of ongoing border security and patrol efforts.

[00:07:55]Officials say the individuals were intercepted during routine monitoring operations conducted in areas considered vulnerable to illegal border crossings.

[00:08:04]Authorities have not yet released the total number of people arrested or their nationalities. Investigations are reportedly continuing as officials work to verify identities and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged infiltration.

[00:08:18]The SANDF has in recent months increased visibility along several border areas as part of broader efforts aimed at strengthening national security and preventing unlawful entry into South Africa. Government departments have repeatedly stated that border management remains a priority due to concerns linked to undocumented migration, smuggling activities, and organized cross-border crime.

[00:08:43]Under South African law, entering the country without valid documentation may lead to arrest, detention, or deportation processes, depending on the outcome of investigations and immigration procedures. However, authorities are also expected to follow constitutional and human rights obligations during enforcement operations.

[00:09:03]At this stage, no evidence has been publicly presented linking the arrested individuals to any criminal syndicates or violent activities beyond the alleged immigration violations. Legal experts often caution against making assumptions before formal investigations are completed and due process is followed.

[00:09:22]The incident is likely to renew debate around border security, immigration management, and the pressure facing law enforcement agencies tasked with monitoring South Africa's extensive land borders. Concerns about undocumented migration continue to generate strong public discussion across the country, particularly in communities affected by unemployment, infrastructure pressure, and service delivery challenges.

[00:09:48]At the same time, human rights organizations have previously urged authorities to ensure that immigration enforcement operations are conducted lawfully and without discrimination.

[00:09:59]Advocacy groups have repeatedly warned against generalizing or unfairly targeting foreign nationals during periods of compliance with immigration laws while respecting the rights of those involved.

[00:10:11]As the reported developments continue to attract attention, many South Africans are seeking clarity regarding the next steps that may be taken by the relevant authorities. Questions remain about whether further negotiations, alternative arrangements, or additional administrative processes could follow.

[00:10:29]At present, no official confirmation has been provided regarding any final resolution to the reported standoff.

[00:10:37]Authorities may be expected to assess the situation and determine an appropriate course of action within the framework of existing laws and regulations.

[00:10:46]It is important to note that allegations and early reports surrounding developing situations can sometimes change as additional facts become available. For that reason, caution should be exercised when interpreting unverified claims circulating on social media or other platforms.

[00:11:04]Government departments responsible for immigration and law enforcement may issue further statements as more information becomes available.

[00:11:12]Until then, many aspects of the situation remain subject to official verification.

[00:11:17]The reported refusal by more than 10,000 undocumented foreign nationals to be taken to Lindela has nevertheless become a significant talking point, drawing reactions from community members, civic organizations, and individuals following immigration-related developments across the country.

[00:11:36]As South Africa continues to address immigration challenges, developments such as these are likely to remain under close public scrutiny. The outcome of the reported situation may provide greater insight into how authorities manage large-scale immigration matters and the practical challenges that can arise during enforcement and administrative processes.

[00:11:57]Immigration remains a sensitive and important issue affecting many communities across South Africa.

[00:12:04]Public discussions often involve strong opinions from different perspectives. It is essential that debates remain respectful, lawful, and based on verified information.

[00:12:15]As this story develops, viewers are encouraged to follow official updates and rely on credible sources for accurate information rather than unverified reports circulating online.