The Presidency has urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation about South Africa’s migration challenges following the recent deaths of Ethiopian and Mozambican nationals.
In a statement released on Monday, government expressed concern over what it described as inaccurate narratives surrounding migration-related incidents, particularly comments linking the deaths of Ethiopian nationals to broader migration policy failures.
The Presidency said it would engage the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to ensure information shared internationally accurately reflects the findings of South African authorities.
Government stressed that the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals are being investigated as matters linked to organised crime and suspected human trafficking networks, rather than migration policy shortcomings.
“The events that led to the deaths of these Ethiopian nationals fall within the realm of organised crime and are being actively investigated by law enforcement agencies,” the Presidency said.
Authorities are also investigating the deaths of Mozambican nationals, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) continuing its inquiries.
The statement comes amid growing public debate over illegal migration, border security, human trafficking and cross-border crime. President Cyril Ramaphosa previously established an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration to coordinate government’s response to migration-related challenges.
The Presidency reiterated that only authorised law enforcement agencies have the mandate to enforce immigration and criminal laws, warning against vigilantism and the targeting of foreign nationals.
Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.
