A governance expert has raised concerns over the handling of xenophobic violence cases in South Africa, warning that challenges within the country’s police service continue to undermine effective investigations and justice delivery.
Tendai Mbanje, a regional governance analyst based in Johannesburg, said structural weaknesses within the South African Police Service have contributed to delays and unresolved cases.
“The police service has, at times, faced issues of incompetence and corruption, resulting in some cases not being properly addressed,” he stated.
According to Mbanje, the problem extends beyond xenophobia-related incidents and affects the broader crime response system, impacting both foreign nationals and South African citizens.
He acknowledged that the South African government has repeatedly pledged to tackle xenophobic violence and strengthen cooperation with countries affected by the attacks. However, he stressed that lasting progress will depend on improving institutional efficiency within the policing and justice sectors.
The concerns come amid renewed anxiety among migrant communities following reports of isolated attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, sparking fresh debate over public safety, accountability, and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.