ActionSA calls for special task team to tackle illegal immigration in eThekwini
ActionSA's KZN provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango
Image: Tumi Pakkies Independent Newspapers
ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has called for the formation of a special task team within the eThekwini Municipality's Metro Police unit to address the issue and the impact of illegal immigration.
ActionSA councillor in eThekwini, Zwakele Mncwango, tabled his motion on the matter during the full council meeting held yesterday.
The motion received support from the majority of the council, while the EFF and the ANC proposed additional amendments to the motion.
In his written motion, Mncwango stated that the municipality is facing challenges related to illegal foreigners engaging in unlawful activities such as drug peddling and the illegal occupation of buildings. The safety and security of residents are of paramount importance and require effective measures, he said.
The council resolved that the executive committee investigate and report back to the council on the possibility of forming a special task team within the Metro Police to specifically address issues related to illegal foreigners, including drug trafficking, hijacked buildings, and illegal trading.
The council stated that it must not appear as if only foreign nationals involved in criminal activity should be dealt with.
The EFF proposed that the motion be amended to include that action be taken against “anyone who takes part in illegal activity, including locals, as some are also participating in illegal activities,” to ensure that the focus is not solely on foreign nationals.
The ANC's amendment called for the strengthening of partnerships between the Metro Police, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and other law enforcement agencies, pointing out that the existing relationship must be enhanced.
ANC councillor Ntando Khuzwayo mentioned that there are two units within the Metro Police that deal with crime prevention, making 20-40 arrests per week, along with other teams that address issues related to bad buildings and other matters.
Both amendments were accepted and will now form part of the motion.
However, IFP councillor Mdu Nkosi expressed disappointment that the motion was publicised on social media before it was tabled at the council meeting.
“First, he posted the motion on social media, where people could say all manner of things before the council could speak on it. This is an issue that Honourable Premier Thami Ntuli is already addressing. The IFP was the first party to call for such challenges to be addressed, and we have seen the premier actively working to resolve this. He has implemented the party's manifesto. So what Mncwango is doing is just trying to claim the spotlight.”
Mncwango expressed his dissatisfaction with the amendments made, stating that the motion had been significantly “watered down”.
“I am not happy because it will not achieve what we were recommending as ActionSA. Unfortunately, the ANC came up with amendments to protect illegal foreigners.
“They say there are already teams that deal with these issues; they talk about hijacked buildings, not illegal foreigners. They aim to reduce the motion, not to really focus on illegal foreigners,” he stated.