South Africa’s president says authorities are investigating violent incidents targeting foreign nationals and will prosecute anyone found to have broken the law.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned individuals involved in violent anti-immigration protests and attacks against foreign nationals that they will face the full force of the law, stressing that no one is above accountability.

Ramaphosa’s warning comes amid renewed tensions over immigration, border control and the presence of foreign nationals in South Africa, with some communities and political groups demanding tougher action against undocumented migrants.

The President said law enforcement agencies have begun the process of identifying and investigating people linked to incidents involving violence, intimidation and other unlawful activities targeting foreign nationals.

He made the position clear in response to questions from Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, who had challenged the government over the absence of arrests and prosecutions following reported attacks and intimidation involving foreign nationals.

According to Ramaphosa, authorities are taking steps to ensure that those responsible are brought before the law.

He stressed that South Africa’s constitutional democracy does not permit individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands, regardless of their grievances.

The President said disputes over immigration and other social issues must be addressed through lawful and constitutional channels rather than violence, threats or vigilantism.

“Those who break the law will face the consequences,” was the thrust of Ramaphosa’s position as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The President also expressed concern about the broader consequences of violence against foreign nationals, particularly its potential impact on South Africa’s relations with other African countries.

South Africa hosts nationals from across the continent, many of whom live and work in the country. Previous waves of xenophobic violence have drawn condemnation from African governments and human rights organisations and have raised questions about the safety of foreign nationals living in South Africa.

Ramaphosa’s latest warning therefore comes against a sensitive regional backdrop, where concerns about migration are increasingly intersecting with issues of unemployment, crime, poverty, overstretched public services and border security.

While some South Africans have accused the government of failing to adequately address illegal immigration and the challenges associated with undocumented migrants, rights groups and African leaders have repeatedly warned against blaming entire communities for broader socioeconomic problems.

The government faces the difficult task of addressing legitimate concerns over immigration and border management while ensuring that foreign nationals are protected from violence and discrimination.

Ramaphosa’s position suggests that his administration intends to pursue both objectives through the existing legal framework.

The President’s warning is also likely to intensify the debate over how South Africa should manage migration, particularly as political parties and community groups continue to disagree over the government’s policies.

For many South Africans, the immigration debate is closely linked to everyday frustrations over jobs, housing, public services and crime. For foreign nationals, however, rising anti-immigrant rhetoric and threats of violence have created concerns about their safety and ability to live and work without intimidation.

Ramaphosa has maintained that whatever the circumstances, violence cannot be allowed to become a substitute for lawful government action.

Authorities are now expected to continue investigating reported incidents and determine whether those accused of violent or unlawful conduct should face prosecution.

The development comes as South Africa continues to grapple with the delicate balance between enforcing immigration laws, protecting citizens’ interests and maintaining peaceful relations with foreign nationals and neighbouring African countries.