THE residents of Lebowakgomo and various communities in Limpopo are demanding the immediate deportation of all undocumented immigrants and prioritising the needs of South African citizens.
Residents held a peaceful protest against the rise of illegal immigrants, churches, and crime at Lebowakgomo Police Station and the Department of Home Affairs offices on Thursday, 20 July.
The Defenders of the People (DOP) political party led the march.
They handed over a memorandum outlining their grievances to the departments and delivered it to Home Affairs and the Lebowakgomo station commander, Colonel Peter Nemaitoni.
The party has set a 21-day timeframe for the cops and Home Affairs to address their demands.
Resident Fani Tsela told Daily Sun that they're worried about the increasing number of illegal churches.
“They occupy large spaces which we, as South Africans, cannot access. We are not xenophobic, but we want South Africans to be put first,” he said.
ALSO READ | Ex-mayor Gumede 'was never involved in this'!
The march was prompted by incidents such as the abduction and killing of Kagisho Lesufi (6), which happened in the bushes last month, and other criminal activities.
Residents claimed that reported criminal cases, including home break-ins, abductions, and robberies affecting their communities, are directly linked to untraceable undocumented foreign nationals.
DOP president Rufus Mphahlele said they demand transparency from Home Affairs officials who allegedly take bribes from customers.
“Those who cannot afford to pay R100 are left without help and have to visit the offices three times a week without receiving assistance.
“We also demand that all illegal churches be registered so that, in case of any issues, we know who to approach and hold accountable,” said Mphahlele.
