By Motshwari Mofokeng
Anti-immigration activist Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba has claimed he narrowly escaped an alleged assassination plot ahead of the 30 June protest march in Durban, adding another layer of controversy to South Africa’s increasingly charged immigration debate.
Ndabandaba says he received intelligence warning that individuals intended to kill him before the march. Acting on the alleged information, he changed vehicles and deliberately delayed his arrival at the gathering, insisting the precaution may have saved his life.
Speaking during a media briefing held on Wednesday at Gugu Dlamini Park in Durban Workshop, Ndabandaba announced that his movement will intensify its campaign by approaching the eThekwini Municipality. He said they will demand action against landlords and property owners accused of accommodating undocumented foreign nationals and suspected drug dealers.
“We will be engaging eThekwini Municipality because property owners who knowingly rent to undocumented foreign nationals and drug dealers must be held accountable. We want stronger enforcement and accountability measures to be implemented,” he said.
The activist also repeated allegations that corrupt police officers are protecting drug syndicates in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. He said he intends handing over a list of names and supporting information to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for investigation.
Despite claiming his life is under threat, Ndabandaba insists his campaign will continue.
Addressing reports of a planned meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, he said he had been called upon to make a public commitment that his movement would not engage in violence.
“They asked me to make a vow that there would be no destruction. I made the same promise to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Premier Thami Ntuli and General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. If anyone marching with me kills people or commits acts of violence, a warrant of arrest must be issued against me so that General Mkhwanazi can arrest me,” he said.
Meanwhile, police maintain that the nationwide demonstrations were largely peaceful despite isolated incidents of violence. Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that eight people have been arrested in connection with protest-related incidents since 28 June, including arrests linked to alleged looting and public disorder.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reiterated that South Africans have the constitutional right to protest peacefully while warning that criminal conduct would not be tolerated. She also confirmed that immigration enforcement operations will continue in the coming weeks as government responds to growing concerns over undocumented migration.
email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
