Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX), represented by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI), has taken legal action alongside other civil society organisations to challenge the xenophobic and racist conduct of Operation Dudula.
This important case seeks to protect the dignity and rights of all people in South Africa — especially migrants and informal workers — from unlawful harassment, intimidation, and violence.
🔍 About the Case:
On 16 May 2023, KAAX, along with the South African Informal Traders Forum (SAITF), the Inner City Federation (ICF), and Abahlali baseMjondolo, launched a two-part application in the Gauteng High Court.
Part A of the case focused on protecting the identities of over 40 individuals who submitted affidavits detailing violent conduct by Operation Dudula. On 7 February 2025, the court ruled in favour of the applicants, ordering that:
- The identities of these individuals be protected from the public, media, and respondents.
- No one may publish any personal information that could reveal their identities.
Part B will be heard on 10 and 11 June 2025 in the Johannesburg High Court and will focus on:
- Stopping Operation Dudula from engaging in illegal acts such as:
- Harassing migrants and traders
- Evicting people without a court order
- Disrupting schools and denying healthcare based on nationality
- Impersonating law enforcement through uniforms
- Demanding accountability from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs, including an end to their alleged cooperation with Dudula.
