Aaron Motsoaledi has a history of adopting a harsh position against illegal immigration, and this week is no exception.
The Home Affairs Minister is now urging police to step up their monitoring of foreigners, as he did when he briefed his Portfolio Committee on Tuesday.
Should “spot checks” be performed on foreign nationals?
In the Cabinet, the ANC representative cuts a contentious figure.
His stance on immigration is steadfast, and he often discusses the necessity to expel illegal aliens from South Africa. In reality, Motsoaledi has gained a new group of supporters as a result of his promise to “put South Africans first.”
The minister has received appreciation for his desire to stop illegal immigration in South Africa from organisations like Operation Dudula. On the other hand, in response to his more recent statements, some have labelled Aaron Motsoaledi as “xenophobic.”
He clearly walks a delicate line, but his comment during the briefing on Tuesday wasn’t in any way unclear. Every SAPS officer must utilise their power to do “spot checks” on foreigners, according to Minister Motsoaledi.
Aaron Motsoaledi promotes a contentious strategy to stop illegal immigration
Cops would have to force migrants to present documentation establishing their right to remain in South Africa in order to do this. Motsoaledi has urged law enforcement agents to “arrest those” who are unable to show that they are in the country legitimately.
“Spot inspections and document comparisons with the national population registry are rights enjoyed by every police officer. Although it is sad, the reason for the arrest is that we need to do a manual inspection. Motsoaledi, Aaron
Supporting Motsoaledi’s demand for spot inspections is Herman Mashaba.
Although it is a hugely divisive proposition, it seems Motsoaledi has some high-profile backing. Even the head of ActionSA, Herman Mashaba, questioned why the minister hadn’t previously put this policy into effect.