The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has confirmed that a peaceful march took place earlier today, Thursday, 4 June 2026, beginning at approximately 09:00 in the Emalahleni Local Municipality under the Nkangala District.
An estimated 1,500 participants marched from a park in Vosman to the Witbank Central Business District (CBD). SAPS members, alongside other law enforcement agencies, were strategically deployed to ensure the safety of participants, road users, and the general public throughout the event.
The march proceeded without major incident and concluded with the formal handing over of a memorandum to the Executive Mayor of the Emalahleni Local Municipality.
During the event, officials from the Department of Home Affairs processed several foreign nationals present at the gathering. It was during this verification process that 14 individuals were found to be in possession of no valid documentation permitting their stay in South Africa. These individuals were subsequently apprehended and charged in accordance with immigration legislation.
In a statement following the operation, Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, reaffirmed the police commitment to upholding the law while respecting constitutional rights.
“While communities have the right to raise their concerns through lawful and peaceful means, we strongly discourage any form of vigilantism,” said Major General Mkhwanazi. “We encourage people to work together with law enforcement agencies and report criminal activities through the proper legal channels.”
SAPS emphasized that police, in collaboration with other law enforcement entities, will continue to maintain a visible and vigilant presence to ensure public order and compliance with South African law.
The 14 undocumented foreign nationals remain in police custody pending further legal proceedings.