JOHANNESBURG, May 26 (Xinhua) -- South Africa has a multi-pronged approach to address migration issues in the country, said the country's deputy government spokesperson William Baloyi on Tuesday.
Speaking to Xinhua, Baloyi said: "South Africans are not xenophobic. We have migration challenges of an influx of undocumented migrants who come to the country not using the designated entry points," adding that the government is engaging neighboring countries to address migration challenges.
His remarks came amid a series of marches in parts of the country where some South Africans demanded that undocumented foreigners leave the country.
The country's Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, comprising the Departments of Justice and Constitutional Development, Home Affairs, Defense and Military Veterans, met on Monday to discuss the situation and measures aimed at restoring calm.
The spokesperson said they met with political parties, civil society and those involved in the marches to help normalize the situation.
According to Baloyi, undocumented migration places pressure on public resources and complicates government planning.
When the government does not know who is in the country and for what purpose, it becomes difficult to plan effectively and ensure security, he added.
Police on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of 142 people in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State Province following incidents of looting at shops owned by foreign nationals on Monday night and Tuesday.
The suspects face charges including public violence, business burglary, business robbery, possession of suspected stolen goods and malicious damage to property, police added. ■