Tensions over undocumented foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal have intensified after foreign business owners, supported by an organisation advocating for migrants, took Nkosi Langalibalele Municipality Mayor, Mduduzi Myeza, to court on allegations of discrimination and the closure of foreign-owned shops in Estcourt.
Myeza has been leading a controversial campaign targeting undocumented immigrants operating businesses in the area, sparking widespread debate across the province.Two separate matters against the mayor were heard in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Wednesday. Ahead of the hearing, Myeza posted on social media that legal action had been launched against him as the deadline of a 21-day notice period expired.
His attorney, Xolani Zuma, said the applicants want Myeza ordered to remove social media posts allegedly containing hateful or discriminatory remarks within 48 hours.Zuma added that the court application also seeks to prevent the mayor from making future comments viewed as xenophobic or inflammatory. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi warned protest groups against taking the law into their own hands, cautioning that any violence during demonstrations would have serious consequences.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
