Two separate immigration enforcement operations involving mosques in Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg have sparked growing concern within South Africa’s Muslim community, with the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) urging Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia to ensure places of worship are not targeted during immigration operations.
The call follows an operation in Pietermaritzburg on 10 July and another at Masjid-ur-Rahman in Greenside, Johannesburg, this week, where police arrested two alleged undocumented foreign nationals and an executive member of the mosque committee.
The first incident unfolded in Pietermaritzburg when members of the March and March movement, accompanied by South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and private security personnel, moved through Northdale, Raisethorpe and surrounding areas, inspecting businesses and residential properties where they suspected undocumented foreign nationals were living or working.
During the operation, the group reportedly attempted to enter a mosque on Vanker Road while police maintained a significant presence nearby. Although no violence was reported, the incident raised concerns among Muslim organisations after the mosque became part of the operation.
Three days later, on 13 July, UUCSA wrote to Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, expressing “profound concern” over recent SAPS operations conducted in and around mosques to profile, question and arrest people suspected of being undocumented migrants.
The council emphasised that it recognises and supports SAPS’ constitutional responsibility to uphold the law and does not oppose lawful immigration enforcement. However, it said its concern lies with the “manner, location and apparent targeting of places of worship” during such operations.
UUCSA said mosques are sacred spaces dedicated to worship, spiritual reflection, education and community service, warning that conducting, or appearing to conduct, immigration enforcement operations within or immediately adjacent to these institutions compromises their sanctity.
It further argued that the visible deployment of police around mosques creates “an atmosphere of fear and intimidation” among congregants, including South African citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers and visitors, who should be able to worship without fear of profiling or questioning.
The organisation also cautioned that such operations could undermine the longstanding relationship Muslim communities have built with SAPS and other stakeholders in promoting public safety.
Among its recommendations, UUCSA called on the ministry to issue guidance discouraging immigration enforcement operations within or immediately adjacent to mosques and other places of worship, except where operationally unavoidable or supported by specific criminal intelligence.
It also requested a meeting between the ministry, SAPS leadership and UUCSA to discuss practical measures that balance effective law enforcement with constitutional protections for religious communities.
The concerns gained renewed urgency following Wednesday’s operation at Masjid-ur-Rahman in Greenside. According to a source, the Greenside Mosque Committee is seeking legal advice before releasing a full public statement on the incident.
