The Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) has stated that South African citizens do not have the authority to conduct identity checks on foreign nationals. The committee said only designated law enforcement officials are legally empowered to verify immigration status and request identity documents.
According to the IMC, operations targeting undocumented migrants must be carried out by officials such as SAPS, Home Affairs immigration officers, and other authorised agencies. The committee warned that private citizens or community groups who stop and demand documents risk breaking the law and could face criminal charges themselves.
The statement comes amid heightened public tension over illegal immigration and community-led patrols in several areas. The IMC emphasised that while citizens can report suspected illegal activity to police, they cannot act as law enforcement or detain people based on nationality or documentation status.
The committee reaffirmed government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, but said this must be done within constitutional and legal frameworks to protect the rights of all people in South Africa, regardless of nationality.
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