Amnesty International calls on state to end vigilantism against migrants
This follows an announcement by the March and March Movement of a three-month plan of action on the back of the June 30 nationwide demonstrations against illegal immigration.
During the memorandum handover in Durban in July, the group's leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said they planned to sustain the pressure on government by protesting every Thursday.
However, Amnesty International said the protests have 'normalised' vigilantism in communities across the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi have condemned anti-migrant vigilantism, emphasizing that citizens must not take immigration enforcement into their own hands or engage in unlawful acts.
The organisation's spokesperson Genevieve Quintal said that even though the state has made the promise to punish any form of vigilante act against migrants, the abuse was still taking place.
“Although the government has made it clear that it will not tolerate illegal identity checks, acts of intimidation and vigilante behavior, such abuses are still taking place. Authorities must move beyond statements of concern and demonstrate through effective investigations, prosecutions and accountability measures that no person or group is above the law.
She reiterated that every human being has the right to conduct their livelihoods free from intimidation, harassment, and disruption.
The organisation added that the state should investigate allegations that some police officers are allowing or assisting vigilante groups that are targeting migrants.
“Allegations of police failures to stop illegal behavior or their complicity must be thoroughly investigated, and any wrongdoing met with suitable disciplinary and criminal proceedings,” said Quintal.
She argued that some officers were present during these incidents and did not intervene. She said this raised concerns about possible police complicity.
Amnesty International said individuals and groups that violate human rights, and officials that stand by when these acts are taking place, should all be held accountable.
