A mother of two was arrested in Strand on her way to collect her children from crèche last Monday (29 June), as part of a broader immigration crackdown.

The arrest came a day before the country was gripped by anti-immigration protests, which saw the army deployed in Gauteng as well as widespread looting in KwaZulu-Natal.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a provincial police spokesperson, confirmed a 29-year-old woman was arrested in terms of the Immigration Act in Main Road, Strand and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Her 33-year-old husband said they are both Zimbabwean nationals who are in possession of “legal passports”. He related the circumstances of her arrest: she was returning from a shopping trip and on her way to collect their children, a three-year-old toddler and year-old baby, from crèche in Zola, Nomzamo when she was arrested on the corner of Broadway Boulevard and Main Road. “Since they arrested my wife the baby has been crying for its mother.” The father is caring for the children alone.

A Sir Lowry’s Pass resident who came to the family’s aid said police were seen arresting many foreign nationals, who were transported to holding cells at Strand Police Station before they were transferred to Pollsmoor Prison to await a court appearance. “We need to remember immigrants are humans too,” the resident said.

The resident, who asked not to be named, believes the arrests forms part of “fear mongering” associated with the national anti-immigrant mood and hostile public sentiment sweeping the country. “What sort of people are we that we take mothers away from their children?”

The arrested woman’s husband said she is due to appear in Strand Magistrates’ Court this Friday (10 July). He is living in fear, as this isn’t the first time they had been targeted by perceived xenophobia. “I think my wife and I, with our children, will just return to our country.”

Eric Ntabazalila, provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed the mother was charged with contravention of section 49(1) of the Immigration Act after she could not prove she had the necessary documents to be in the country legally.

The law makes it an offence to enter, remain in, or depart from South Africa without proper authorisation.

“The State alleges that there is no record of the accused legally entering the republic at any port of entry,” said Ntabazalila.

It is opposing bail due to her status in the country, and Ntabazalila said the accused remained unrepresented by choice.

She has not applied for bail and remains in custody ahead of her appearance this week.

Few protests were marked by descent into chaos last Tuesday (30 June), and the Helderberg largely avoided protesting, although two apparent anti-immigrant-related incidents were reported.

There was a gathering in Lwandle, which was largely peaceful, no looting, violence or property damage, confirmed police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk.

Residents had previously demanded all foreign-owned spaza shops close within seven days (“‘Fed-up’ locals demand closures, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 3 June).

On social media, Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso dispelled rumours of protesters blocking the N2 highway.

Broadlands Park shop owner Luul Ahmed Noor was approached by three men demanding to “see her papers, instructing her to leave. Police confirmed she is a legal resident.

Van Wyk said an incident circulating on social media was a neighbourhood dispute.