SA Woman Left With Unfinished Braids After Hairdresser Allegedly Flees Operation Dudula Raid
- A woman's hair braiding session was disrupted when allegedly Operation Dudula members raided the salon, causing the hairdresser to flee and leaving the client's hair unfinished
- The incident has sparked a heated online debate, with some sympathising with the lady's plight and others defending the actions of Operation Dudula, citing the need to enforce immigration and labour laws
- The raid has raised concerns about the impact of such actions on ordinary people, including South Africans, who are simply seeking services from small businesses, like hair salons
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A woman was left stranded with unfinished braids after her hairdresser allegedly fled during an Operation Dudula raid, leaving the salon in chaos.
Source: UGC
In a video circulating online, the woman who shared the clip under her TikTok handle @adi.x.vhaho showcased her half-done hair, expressing her frustration and disbelief. The footage also captured how alleged members of Operation Dudula stormed the salon, eventually shutting it down.
Dozens of people could be seen crowded outside, watching the scene unfold as the tense standoff drew attention from passersby. The client, who had gone in expecting a routine hair appointment, found herself caught in the middle of the operation, and she expressed the following on her TikTok caption:
"Now who’s finishing my braids."
Operation Dudula, a movement known for its controversial actions against undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa, has often targeted small businesses, including hair salons. It is also an organisation that evolved into a political party. Often described as a fascist group, it is widely recognised for its stance against illegal migrants.
The incident has since sparked widespread conversation online, with many sympathising with the TikTok user @adi.x.vhaho while others, however, defended the actions of Operation Dudula, saying the focus should remain on enforcing immigration and labour laws. Still, critics argue that raids like this unfairly impact ordinary South Africans simply seeking services.
Although it is not clear where the incident took place, @adi.x.vhaho's clip gained massive traction online since it was published on 18 September 2025 on TikTok. What was meant to be a simple salon visit ended in unfinished braids, public embarrassment, and a viral moment.
SA reacts to woman stranded after Operation Dudula raid
South Africans flooded the comments section, expressing their thoughts on the Operation Dudula raid, saying:
Thando Mazibuko said:
"Kodwa this is so wrong!!! They are also people they have children!!!"
Siphokazi Masombuka shared:
"This once happened to me last year April while doing my hair for my birthday."
Kutli Mabaso17 wrote:
"Mina I was going to ask them if they will braid me since they made her run away."
K stated:
"Guys no."
Bongi commented:
"Imagine if you were relaxing your hair."
Watch the video below:
In the past months, Operation Dudula activists have been blocking access to public clinics and hospitals. They have been demanding identity documents from patients and turning away people they believe are foreign nationals, especially undocumented migrants.
One high-profile case was at Lillian Ngoyi Clinic in Diepkloof, Soweto, where three women linked to the group were arrested after storming the maternity ward and demanding IDs from patients.
The government’s response has included stern condemnation by the National Health Department, which says these disruptions of essential health services are unlawful and will not be tolerated. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has reportedly said no one should be denied healthcare regardless of documentation status.
“If you continue to do it the way you are doing it, you are going to turn away many South Africans who are legitimate but do not have documents. Having worked in home affairs, I have met such people."
Source: TikTok
More on Operation Dudula by Briefly News
- The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) faces a march threat from Operation Dudula. After learning that one of the panel's top members is a foreign national, the group has become dissatisfied with the commission.
- Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) has filed a lawsuit against Operation Dudula and the government, accusing them of human rights violations against undocumented foreign nationals.
- After proposing a crackdown on Operation Dudula, Julius Malema, the head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), incited the wrath of various South Africans and podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
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Source: Briefly News
