Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale has called for increased enforcement and firm action against undocumented foreign nationals residing in South Africa. Speaking during a recent official engagement on 25 June 2026, Mathale underscored the necessity of ensuring that all individuals within the country’s borders strictly comply with national immigration laws.
Government Commitment To Law Enforcement
The Ministry is currently intensifying police operations to identify and address incidents of illegal immigration as part of a broader commitment to maintaining law and order. Mathale indicated that persistent presence of undocumented individuals requires decisive intervention from security agencies to protect the integrity of the country’s borders.
We cannot have a situation where people are in the country illegally and we do nothing about it. Law enforcement agencies must act decisively to ensure that our borders are respected and that the law is upheld.
Context Of Regional Border Security
This directive aligns with recurring government efforts to govern illegal movement across national borders, including the role of the Border Management Authority (BMA). In recent years, programmes such as Operation Vala Umgodi have been deployed to address public concerns regarding illegal entry in various provinces, including those impacting the Western Cape.
The Ministry is expected to release further details on upcoming operations as it seeks to address sustained public concern over border integrity and resource management.