The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg will today hear a legal challenge against Operation Dudula and some of its leaders over allegations of intimidation, harassment, and violence against individuals suspected of being foreign nationals.
The application, brought by Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia, the South African Informal Traders Forum, the Inner City Federation, and Abahlali BaseMjondolo, seeks to restrain the group from assaulting or threatening people it identifies as non-South Africans. It also aims to prevent Operation Dudula from obstructing foreign nationals’ access to healthcare services and carrying out unlawful evictions.
Additionally, the applicants want the court to hold state institutions—including the South African Police Service (SAPS)—accountable for allegedly failing to properly investigate complaints against the anti-migration group.
Operation Dudula, known for its staunch opposition to undocumented migrants in South Africa, has faced criticism for its vigilante-style operations, which activists say fuel xenophobic violence. The court’s ruling could set a significant precedent on the limits of civilian-led enforcement actions targeting foreign nationals.
The case continues as tensions over migration and informal trade remain high in parts of Gauteng.