Firoz Cachalia Rejects Calls For State Of Emergency Over Illegal Immigration

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has ruled out seeking a state of emergency to address illegal immigration, saying the issue requires long-term solutions rather than extraordinary short-term measures.

His comments come after questions were raised in Parliament following the arrest of a foreign national who was allegedly found in possession of military-grade explosives in Gauteng earlier this year.

Cachalia said the government remains focused on tackling illegal immigration through coordinated law enforcement operations, intelligence gathering and cooperation across multiple departments.

Firoz Cachalia Says State Of Emergency Not Suitable For Illegal Immigration

Responding to parliamentary questions from MK Party MP Thalente Kubheka, Cachalia explained why he would not ask President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a state of emergency.

According to the minister, illegal immigration presents complex and ongoing challenges that cannot be resolved through temporary emergency powers.

“Illegal immigration and its associated risks, including involvement in organised criminal activities, require sustained and coordinated interventions across multiple sectors of government rather than a short-term emergency response.

“In this regard, alternative measures are being implemented through a combination of intelligence-led policing, investigative processes, and interdepartmental coordination,” Cachalia said.

The questions followed the arrest of a 33-year-old foreign national by the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit in Malvern East, Gauteng, in January.

Military Explosives Arrest Raises Illegal Immigration Concerns

The case attracted significant attention after reports indicated that the suspect was allegedly found with military-grade explosives.

According to media reports, the weapons recovered included an RPG-7 launcher, boosters and rounds.

Some reports identified the suspect as either Mozambican or Somali, although authorities have not publicly confirmed those details.

The incident sparked renewed debate around border security, organised crime and the government’s approach to illegal immigration.

Despite these concerns, Cachalia maintained that existing law enforcement and intelligence mechanisms remain the most appropriate response.

Ramaphosa Pledges Tougher Action On Illegal Immigration

President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the issue during the Presidency Budget Vote on Tuesday, where he stressed the need for stronger migration management while warning against xenophobia and misinformation.

Ramaphosa said migration can contribute positively to economic growth when properly regulated, but emphasised that illegal immigration must be addressed.

“When it is well managed and regulated, migration can help drive growth and opportunity for South Africans. However, we need to deal with illegal migration.”

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The president said government was strengthening efforts to enforce immigration laws, improve border management and tackle corruption within the immigration system.

“We are taking decisive action to address illegal migration challenges by cracking down on violations of immigration laws and increasing inspections of workplaces and prosecuting employers who violate labour laws.”

“We are strengthening border security, stamping out corruption in the immigration system and closing the loopholes in fragmented immigration laws.”

Ramaphosa also urged South Africans not to allow concerns about illegal immigration to fuel division or discrimination.

“We will strengthen and enforce our laws, while upholding the Constitution and the human dignity of all. This will enable us to deal with illegal immigration without turning against one another.”

The government has indicated that its strategy will focus on enforcement, border security and interdepartmental cooperation rather than emergency measures.