Gauteng Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela Blames Government for Undocumented Foreigners
- The South African Police Service's provincial Commissioner in Gauteng, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, is angry at how the government is lax on undocumented foreigners
- Mawela complained that the provincial government is letting arrested foreigners walk free after paying fines
- He also took a swipe at residents who provide housing to undocumented foreigners
Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News's current affairs journalist, provided coverage of criminal activities and their societal implications during his four years at Daily Sun.
Source: Getty Images
The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, slammed the provincial government for not taking stern action against undocumented foreigners. He believed that the government is inadequately dealing with foreigners who are arrested and then released from prison.
Mawela frustrated at government's legal process
According to Sowetan LIVE, Mawela addressed the Gauteng Legislature's portfolio committee on community safety, where he was called to explain how the South African Police Service intends to deal with the crime in Diepsloot. Mawela revealed that when undocumented foreigners are arrested for crimes, they appear in court and are released after paying fines.
He believes that putting them through the court process further gives them a legitimate standing in the country. He also added that some undocumented foreigners appear in court and claim that they have appealed to apply for asylum documentation. Mawela also criticised Gauteng residents for erecting shacks and rooms for illegal migrants to rent so they could generate income. He called on the law to correct these legal loopholes, which he believes the undocumented foreign nationals are taking advantage of.
Mzansi agrees with Mawela
Netizens on Facebook discussed the Commissioner's words.
Dean Mohale exclaimed:
“The ANC government is failing dismally, and it is time to vote for change.”
Bhekumuzi Soqhawe Nzima added:
“The government doesn’t have the resources to deport, so keeping them there is pointless. Who is going to feed them?”
Alf Jarman said:
“The government has failed in everything except filling their pockets and bringing poverty to their supporters.”
Tauscar Khawuta Seti pointed out:
“Someone had to say this. Why are they being released to live here when they should be deported back to their countries?”
Peter Fortune suggested:
“Guard border lines and fix border posts. It’s as simple as that It’s not rocket science.”
133 undocumented foreigners busted in Limpopo
In a related story, Briefly News reported that police in Limpopo intercepted a convoy of 11 cars that were transporting undocumented foreigners from Zimbabwe to foreigners.
The police found 133 undocumented foreigners, more than half of which were children. South Africans were left speechless at how many people were entering the country illegally.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
