‘A group of thugs’: Malema calls for crackdown on Operation Dudula

EFF leader Julius Malema has called for an urgent police investigation into Operation Dudula, accusing and calling the anti-migrant movement of fostering violence and a group of “thugs”.

In a scathing post on X on Wednesday, Malema urged authorities to bring in the Political Killings Task Team to investigate the group.

“Operation Dudula is a group of thugs and must be subjected to the Political Killings Task Team. Period!” Malema wrote.

His comments follow a diplomatic visit to Nigeria, where he reiterated calls for pan-African unity and open borders — a position that has drawn both praise and criticism.

Founded as a grassroots campaign, Operation Dudula claims to fight against illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and what it calls the unlawful occupation of jobs and services by undocumented foreign nationals.

Its members have been seen blocking clinics, inspecting businesses, and confronting immigrants — actions critics deem dangerous and unconstitutional.

The movement has faced repeated accusations of xenophobia and inciting public disorder, but leaders defend their mission as community-driven activism aimed at restoring economic justice and enforcing existing immigration laws.

They maintain that Dudula targets illegal activity — not foreigners — and reject comparisons to vigilante violence.

Malema’s remarks underscored the deepening political and social divisions over immigration in South Africa, where record unemployment and strained public services have heightened tensions.

As Operation Dudula gains ground politically, observers warn that without meaningful immigration reform and public dialogue, the risk of further polarisation remains high.

Meanwhile, In July, IOL reported that Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko criticised the vigilante blockages where activists have been blocking state-owned hospital entrances, demanding identification from patients and turning away foreign nationals.

The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has also condemned Operation Dudula’s actions in recent weeks. 

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics