Authorities released three Operation Dudula members on a warning despite pending charges for disrupting services at Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Soweto by demanding patients show identity documents.
Authorities released the women on a warning, even though they face charges for interfering with healthcare access.
They entered the Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Diepkloof, Soweto, and demanded that patients produce identity documents to prove their nationality.
The women reportedly disrupted services by questioning patients inside the maternity ward.
The suspects allegedly locked themselves inside one of the labour wards. Their actions made staff and patients feel that the suspects violated their rights.
Police were called and arrested the women.
Charges Include Contravention of the National Health Act
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the suspects face charges including contravention of the National Health Act and public violence.
Operation Dudula’s Campaign Against Undocumented Immigrants
Since June, Operation Dudula has campaigned nationwide to stop undocumented foreign nationals from accessing public healthcare.
They argue that the system struggles under heavy demand and that South African citizens must come first.
Their actions have sparked both criticism from the government and human rights groups, and support from some community members.
Should public healthcare be denied to undocumented immigrants to ease the system’s burden?
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