The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) has urged South Africans (SA) not to take the law into their own hands and work with law enforcement in dealing with undocumented immigrants.

This comes as protests intensify, with growing calls for action against illegal immigration.

Several marches have taken place in various cities around the country this month alone, demanding government action.

DIRCO Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says: “Citizens are entitled to raise concerns about any issue and illegal immigration is a legitimate issue that we are all concerned about. Where we draw the line is where we do not differentiate between illegal immigration, and immigration in general and also where people decide that looking at you in the street, you are a foreigner, therefore come and account to me, tell me where you’re from and how you got into the country. We think that where people have suspicions of any type of illegality, we should be working with law enforcement quite closely, to address that situation as it manifests itself.”

—SABC—