DURBAN - The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has called for calm amid growing calls for refugees to vacate Durban’s inner city.
A group of foreign nationals is seeking shelter and protection outside the Diakonia Centre after allegedly being attacked and chased from their homes.
The group has now called on the United Nations to intervene and protect their stay in the country.
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ANC KZN spokesperson Sifiso Sonjica has reiterated that the law must take its course.
"Police must do what they need to do, municipality must do what they need to do, and they must enforce the bylaws. So, the laws are there; we are not lacking laws. We think it's a problem now that laws are not enforced, and it can't be a police issue only.
"This is why we are calling for all government so that we cooperate with other structures and NGOs so that we find a lasting solution, because you will solve it today and it will flare up again. Find a lasting solution," he said.
To date, a group of refugees has been transported by bus to the Department of Home Affairs, where they will be processed, their permits checked, and their status in the country verified.
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Individuals found to be undocumented would face arrest, court proceedings and deportation.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said this process will be conducted with an integrated team of NATJOINTS to ensure that they attend to all the issues associated with this illegal occupation of the centre.
He added that those who are found to be in the country illegally will be processed back to their country of origin immediately.
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Meanwhile, the SAPS in eThekwini is reported to be following up on various allegations of assault against the foreign nationals and other cases reported relating to intimidation, malicious damage to property, and closure of businesses.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Phumelela Makoba, said all cases that have been reported on this will be investigated.