A Johannesburg court barred Operation Dudula from demanding identification papers or interfering with migrants' access to essential services on Monday, November 4. Judge's orders prohibit the organization and its leadership from harassing foreign residents, blocking healthcare facilities, disrupting educational institutions, or forcing people from housing and employment. Legal authority to verify immigration status belongs exclusively to police officers and immigration officials under the 2002 Immigration Act.
Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia led the legal challenge alongside three other advocacy organizations representing informal merchants, urban residents and housing activists. Government ministries overseeing police, immigration, health and education appeared as respondents along with Operation Dudula and its officials, Zandile Dabula and Dan Radebe. The South African Human Rights Commission and International Commission of Jurists participated as advisory parties.
Applicants presented evidence during June hearings showing police escorts accompanying group activities and immigration department participation in enforcement actions. The court sided with complainants who argued these practices violated constitutional protections for dignity, equality and service access. Operation Dudula must notify all members and officers about the restrictions.
Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia led the legal challenge alongside three other advocacy organizations representing informal merchants, urban residents and housing activists. Government ministries overseeing police, immigration, health and education appeared as respondents along with Operation Dudula and its officials, Zandile Dabula and Dan Radebe. The South African Human Rights Commission and International Commission of Jurists participated as advisory parties.
Applicants presented evidence during June hearings showing police escorts accompanying group activities and immigration department participation in enforcement actions. The court sided with complainants who argued these practices violated constitutional protections for dignity, equality and service access. Operation Dudula must notify all members and officers about the restrictions.
