EFF Opens Criminal Case Against Operation Dudula Following Death of Child
Natalie Nyathi
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have taken decisive action by laying criminal charges against Operation Dudula, a vigilante group, following the tragic death of a one-year-old child in Alexandra. The charges stem from allegations that members of Operation Dudula obstructed the child’s mother from accessing essential medical care at a local clinic.
Grace Banda, a Malawian national, recounted a harrowing experience where she was allegedly turned away from the Alexandra Community Health Centre while seeking treatment for her sick child. According to Banda, members of Operation Dudula demanded a South African ID, which she did not possess, and denied her entry. She pleaded with them to assist her son, but her pleas were ignored, and she was advised to seek help from a private doctor or hospital. Sadly, her child passed away the following day.
Operation Dudula has denied the allegations, stating that none of its members were deployed to the clinic on the day of the incident. However, there have been reports of Operation Dudula members barricading the gates of public healthcare clinics in recent weeks, preventing individuals they deem to be “undocumented foreigners” from accessing medical facilities.
The EFF has strongly condemned Operation Dudula’s actions, with EFF Gauteng Leader Nkululeko Dunga likening their behavior to that of a vigilante group. Speaking outside the Alexandra Police Station, Dunga emphasized the unconstitutional nature of demanding IDs at clinics, drawing parallels to the apartheid era’s pass laws.
Dunga stated, “We demand that law enforcement urgently act to arrest those responsible, protect all patients and staff at public health facilities, and restore the rule of law.” The EFF views Operation Dudula’s actions as a grave violation of human rights, endangering lives and contravening the Constitution.
The EFF has filed charges against Operation Dudula and its spokesperson, Zandile Dabula, at the Alexandra Police Station. The charges focus on the alleged violation of the law, endangering lives, and acting against the Constitution. The EFF has been criticized in some quarters for its Pan-Africanism posture and not taking a tougher stance against illegal immigration.
The EFF’s stance is that everyone, regardless of nationality, is entitled to healthcare. They argue that denying access to healthcare based on nationality is not only illegal but also poses a significant public health risk. The party has also criticized the police and hospital management for allowing Operation Dudula to “harass” patients.
This is not the first time Operation Dudula has faced scrutiny for its actions at healthcare facilities. In August 2025, three members were arrested after storming the Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Soweto, demanding patients’ IDs and intimidating staff.
The EFF has also criticized the government for its “collapsed immigration documentation systems” and failure to build capacity in public services. The party believes that the government’s shortcomings have created an environment where vigilante groups like Operation Dudula can thrive.
