Three Operation Dudula women in court over ID demands at Soweto clinic
Three women from Operation Dudula are expected to appear in the Orlando Magistrate's Court on Monday after allegedly entering a Soweto clinic and demanding that patients produce their identity documents to prove their nationality.
The incident took place on Thursday at the Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Diepkloof, Soweto.
The women, aged between 49 and 60, reportedly entered the maternity ward and disrupted services by questioning patients and demanding to see their identity documents.
Police were called to the scene after the suspects were locked inside one of the labour wards, where both staff and patients felt their rights had been violated.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the women were arrested and charged with contravention of the National Health Act and public violence, among other offences.
Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant group, launched a nationwide campaign in June aimed at preventing undocumented foreign nationals from accessing healthcare services at public facilities.
The group has been blocking foreign nationals from receiving treatment across Gauteng, claiming public healthcare should be reserved for South African citizens only.
They argue the country's healthcare system is overburdened and cannot support undocumented immigrants.
The group's actions have drawn sharp criticism from government officials and human rights organisations, while some community members have expressed support.
In a separate incident in Booysens, two suspects were arrested after allegedly assaulting a man at a local clinic.
'It is alleged that on Monday, August 4, the victim was queuing for treatment when a woman approached him and demanded to see his ID or passport,' said Masondo.
'When he could not produce the documents, she called two accomplices who then assaulted the man and forced him to leave the facility.'
The victim later reported the incident to the Booysens Police Station. Two suspects were arrested and charged with contravention of the National Health Act and common assault.
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