Johnson Progress

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has lodged a criminal case against Operation Dudula, a militant group known for its anti-foreigner stance, over the death of a one-year-old Malawian child.

 

According to reports, the child was allegedly denied access to healthcare at a public facility in Alexandra, Johannesburg.

 

EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga led supporters to the Alexandra Police Station to open the case, describing the incident as a “deliberate act” that led to the child’s death.

 

“If someone gets sick, and someone dies, and if they could be assisted there and there, it is not only negligence, they knew exactly what they were doing, and they eliminated a life of a one-year-old,” Dunga said.

 

“So, we have opened a case of murder. It is up to the State to pick up and do the necessary investigations,” he added.

 

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that investigations are underway.

 

“Police have opened an inquiry docket for investigation. Once the investigation is complete, the docket will be taken to the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) for a decision,” Masondo said.

 

Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula has denied allegations that her group was involved in the incident, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation.

 

“We will not be dictated to by foreigners on how to run our country. We have the Constitution that is supposed to be guiding us, we have immigration laws that we use as guiding documents,” Dabula said.

 

The EFF has also alleged that several South Africans were denied access to healthcare facilities after being presumed foreign nationals.

 

This case highlights the complexities of xenophobia and healthcare access in South Africa.

 

According to Prof. Pierre de Vos, a constitutional law scholar, “Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees the right to healthcare services to everyone—this includes undocumented migrants”.

 

The EFF’s stance is that everyone, regardless of nationality, is entitled to healthcare, and denying access to healthcare based on nationality is not only illegal but also poses a significant public health risk.

 

The party has vowed to monitor the investigation closely and ensure that justice is served.