KZN warns landlords against renting to illegal immigrants

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has cautioned landlords against renting accommodation to undocumented immigrants, warning that violators could face arrest as South African authorities step up enforcement of immigration laws amid renewed anti-foreigner tensions.

According to Eye Witness News, the warning was issued on Wednesday by KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli, during a community security meeting held in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The gathering brought together residents and traditional leaders to discuss strategies for tackling crime in the area.

Ntuli stressed that property owners must verify the identity of prospective tenants by requesting valid identification documents before offering accommodation. He warned that landlords found housing undocumented foreigners could be prosecuted alongside the occupants.

“Everyone who owns cottages, your tenants must first produce IDs before you grant them permission to live there. Community members, may you please report to the police if there are landlords harbouring illegal foreigners so that police can arrest both that person and the landlord,” he said.

The warning followed complaints from traditional leaders who claimed that some rental properties had become safe havens for suspected criminals, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace them after crimes had been committed.

According to the premier, collaboration between residents and security agencies remains essential in the fight against crime. He added that stricter implementation of immigration laws would help prevent criminal elements from exploiting existing loopholes.

The latest move comes amid growing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, where the March and March movement has continued to campaign for the removal of undocumented immigrants from the country.

The renewed tensions have also led the Nigerian government to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens who expressed interest in leaving South Africa.

So far, the Federal Government has evacuated hundreds of Nigerians in four separate batches.