Operation Dudula Trio Released After Warning, Returns to Soweto Clinic

Natalie Nyathi

Three members of Operation Dudula, a controversial group known for its anti-immigrant stance, were released on a warning after appearing in the Orlando Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The women had been arrested for allegedly disrupting services at the Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Diepkloof, Soweto, by denying foreign nationals access to healthcare.

Police reports indicate that the women stormed the maternity ward of the clinic and attempted to remove a pregnant woman. They were facing charges including public violence, trespassing, and violating the National Health Act.

However, their release did not deter them. Shortly after leaving the court, the trio reportedly marched back to the Lilian Ngoyi Clinic to continue their efforts to remove undocumented migrants.

Operation Dudula, which means “force out” in Zulu, began as a movement in Soweto and has since spread to other parts of South Africa. The group blames migrants for many of South Africa’s social issues, including crime, unemployment, and overburdened public services. They have been accused of violently threatening and targeting both legal and illegal migrants.

The group’s actions have been widely condemned as xenophobic and a violation of human rights. Civil society movement Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia has described the group’s actions as “vigilantism” that has no place in South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

The National Health Department has also condemned Operation Dudula’s actions, stating that they interfere with the delivery of healthcare services.