Helen Zille Calls For Arrest And Deportation Of Illegal Immigrants Amid Johannesburg Crime Concerns

Helen Zille has called for tougher action against undocumented foreigners, urging authorities to arrest, prosecute and deport those living in South Africa illegally.

The Democratic Alliance Johannesburg mayoral candidate said enforcing immigration laws is essential and insisted there is “nothing populist about the rule of law”.

Speaking on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, Zille emphasised that all individuals in the country must follow legal processes to remain.

Links Drawn Between Illegal Immigration and Organised Crime

Zille connected illegal immigration to organised criminal activity, particularly the ongoing crisis of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg.

She said some of these operations are linked to international syndicates operating within the country unlawfully.

“There are often international criminal syndicates involved who are illegally in South Africa,” she said, adding that the DA supports a “zero tolerance” stance where illegal immigration intersects with crime.

Areas such as Hillbrow have been under pressure, with reports indicating that hundreds of properties in the inner city have been taken over.

Helen Zille Says Home Affairs and Police Key to Tackling Crisis

Zille stressed that addressing both illegal immigration and related criminal networks would depend heavily on improving the efficiency of the Department of Home Affairs.

She pointed to anti-corruption efforts under Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber as a positive step.

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In dealing with hijacked buildings, she said the city would work closely with Home Affairs during eviction processes, particularly where deportations may be required. Police would play a central role, although she acknowledged that extreme situations involving heavily armed syndicates — including those tied to illegal mining and drug operations — could require additional support.

Zille added that any potential deployment of the military should be limited and subject to parliamentary oversight.