South African authorities have arrested about 80 suspected members of vigilante groups allegedly involved in xenophobic attacks and other criminal acts targeting migrants, as the government intensifies efforts to restore order and prosecute those responsible.

The disclosure was made by South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, during the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday. The event, themed “The Future of Nigeria-South Africa Relations: Advancing Bilateral Cooperation in a Changing World,” brought together diplomats, business leaders and key stakeholders from both countries.

Moroe said the suspects were arrested across five to six provinces following a nationwide security operation aimed at dismantling vigilante groups accused of attacking foreign nationals and taking immigration enforcement into their own hands.

“About 80 people involved in these criminal acts and who are members of vigilante groups have been arrested across five to six provinces, and the law is taking its due course,” he said.

The envoy stressed that the South African government neither supports nor condones attacks against migrants, insisting that the country’s Constitution guarantees protection for everyone residing within its borders, regardless of their immigration status.

“In South Africa, we have witnessed acts of criminality by vigilante groups calling for illegal migrants to return home and taking the law into their own hands,” Moroe said.

“But let me be clear on behalf of my government that the South African Constitution protects both regular and irregular migrants. Only competent law enforcement agencies and immigration officers have the legal standing to deal with migration issues.”

Moroe also dismissed claims circulating in Nigeria and elsewhere that the South African government was behind the attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals, describing such allegations as false and misleading.

“In Nigeria, we have seen direct reprisals and pushbacks as a direct response to what is perceived as an onslaught by the South African government against migrants. I can tell you for free, this is fake news,” he stated.

According to him, the actions of the vigilante groups do not reflect the position of either the South African government or its people, noting that authorities remain committed to protecting the rights of all residents.

“These acts of criminality by groups taking the law into their own hands do not represent the sentiments of South Africans. The government condemns all acts of criminality and violations of human rights against any individual, whether a South African national or a foreigner, because the Constitution protects everybody. No individual in South Africa is allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he added.

Moroe said security agencies were continuing operations to stabilise affected communities and ensure that all perpetrators face justice.

He also used the occasion to call for stronger diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that both countries have maintained 32 years of uninterrupted diplomatic ties rooted in shared history and mutual support.

The Consul-General acknowledged Nigeria’s role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and urged both nations to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation despite occasional diplomatic tensions.

Earlier, Chairman of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ije Jidenma, represented by the chamber’s Vice-Chairman, Mr Ajibola Olomola, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting trade, investment and commercial partnerships between both countries.

The forum was attended by representatives of South African Airways, MTN Nigeria, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators and other private sector stakeholders seeking to deepen business collaboration between Africa’s two largest economies (The Sun News)