No unit to deal with Operation Dudula's actions, says top cop

NATIONAL Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola stated that there is no specialised police unit dedicated to handling Operation Dudula and similar movements across the country that prevent undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare services.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

Although their actions are unlawful, Masemola explained that the police's Public Order Policing (POP) will only intervene if public disturbances occur.

Masemola made these comments during a media briefing in Olifantsfontein, Pretoria, yesterday morning.

This marked the first time Masemola publicly addressed the issue, following ongoing reports of Operation Dudula and the March and March Movement denying undocumented migrants access to public health facilities.

"On Operation Dudula, we don't have a unit specifically to deal with them. We have Public Order Policing (POP) countrywide, and their job is to deal with crowd management," Masemola said.

According to SAPS, the POP Unit is responsible for maintaining public order, managing public gatherings, major events and protests.