Cape Town – The Western Cape Government has strongly condemned all acts of violence, intimidation and lawlessness directed at foreign nationals, warning that such conduct undermines public safety, economic stability and the rule of law.
The position was outlined during an Extended Provincial Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, where senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials in the Western Cape briefed government leaders on recent tensions linked to immigration-related unrest.
The statement comes in the wake of deadly unrest in Mossel Bay, where two Mozambican nationals were killed on Friday night during protests over undocumented migrants at the Asla Park informal settlement.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said that while the situation in affected areas appears to have stabilised, authorities must urgently strengthen intelligence operations to prevent further outbreaks of violence. He also confirmed that mediators have been deployed to help defuse tensions in hotspot areas.
⛔️ Western Cape Cabinet Condemns Xenophobic Attacks ⛔️
I, and every single member of cabinet, condemn, in the strongest possible terms, all acts of violence, intimidation, or lawlessness against foreign nationals.
The xenophobic attacks were top of the agenda at today’s… pic.twitter.com/4grQzUAEou
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) June 3, 2026
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy, and frustrations about immigration policy must be addressed through lawful processes and by the relevant authorities. No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands,” Winde said.
He warned that xenophobic violence not only violates constitutional principles but also undermines community safety and the province’s economic stability. Such acts, he added, are an attack on the values of dignity, respect, and the rule of law.
The provincial government has called on residents to reject any individuals or groups inciting violence or division, saying such actions risk destabilising communities across the province.
At the same time, Winde urged national government to improve immigration management systems and ensure that existing immigration laws are properly enforced, noting that public concerns about border control and migration must be addressed through institutional channels.
The Western Cape Government said it will continue working closely with SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to ensure swift action against those responsible for criminal activity linked to the unrest.
Winde stressed that while South Africans may have legitimate concerns about immigration and border security, these issues can never justify violence.
“The rule of law must prevail and be upheld at all times,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
