The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has opened an internal investigation after a police officer was filmed in full uniform allegedly promoting anti-foreigner sentiments linked to the contentious ‘Abahambe’ campaign.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media platforms, shows a uniformed SAPS member purportedly echoing views associated with the campaign that has called on undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa by 30 June.
Western Cape SAPS confirmed that management acted swiftly once the footage began gaining traction online.
"Western Cape SAPS management has instituted an investigation into a video circulating on social media platforms in which a SAPS official in uniform is seen uttering misleading anti-foreigner sentiments," police said in a statement.
Officer Identified as Vredendal Member
Preliminary investigations have identified the officer as being stationed at Vredendal SAPS on the West Coast.
"Preliminary findings indicate the member in question is from Vredendal SAPS on the West Coast," SAPS said.
While the police service did not disclose further personal details about the officer, it confirmed that the matter is being handled internally and that the investigation is already under way.
The incident unfolds against a backdrop of heightened national debate over immigration, enforcement and the role of civil movements advocating for stricter action against undocumented migrants.
WATCH: A South African Police officer is under investigation for promoting the Abahambe campaign, a campaign calling on alleged illegal immigrants to leave South Africa by June 30 – KZN Tonight Podcast pic.twitter.com/rdNp1QCmZX
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) June 30, 2026
Tensions Around the ‘Abahambe’ Campaign
The ‘Abahambe’ campaign has in recent weeks drawn significant attention across parts of the country, particularly as 30 June was cited by some activists as a deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave.
Although government has repeatedly clarified that no such deadline has been issued by the state, the campaign has intensified public discussion around migration and border control. It has also triggered concern among human rights organisations about the potential for vigilantism and xenophobic incidents.
In that climate, the circulation of a video showing a serving police officer appearing to align himself with anti-foreigner rhetoric has raised questions about impartiality and professionalism within law enforcement ranks.
SAPS Distances Itself From Officer’s Views
Western Cape SAPS was emphatic that the views expressed in the video do not reflect the official stance of the organisation.
"SAPS Western Cape wishes to reiterate that such utterances do not represent the views of the SAPS and the values the organisation espouses as a law enforcement agency."
The police service stressed its commitment to constitutional policing and professional conduct, particularly at a time when tensions remain sensitive.
The statement served as a clear effort to separate the institution from the alleged remarks of the individual officer, underscoring SAPS’s position that members are expected to uphold the Constitution and serve all communities without prejudice.
Experienced Officer Appointed to Lead Probe
An experienced officer from the West Coast district has been tasked with leading the internal investigation.
"Details of the incident are the subject of the internal SAPS investigation led by an experienced official from the West Coast district," police said.
Authorities have indicated that the outcome of the inquiry will be made public once the process has been concluded.
"Once the investigation is finalised, its findings will be made known," the statement added.
It remains unclear whether the officer has been placed on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. SAPS did not provide details regarding any interim measures.
Reminder to Officers on Professional Conduct
In its statement, SAPS also used the incident as an opportunity to remind members of their responsibilities while serving in the organisation.
"Police officials are reminded to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times," police said.
The reminder highlights the heightened scrutiny under which law enforcement currently operates, particularly in matters involving immigration and community tensions.
Police officers, as public representatives of the state, are bound by strict codes of conduct that prohibit discriminatory or inflammatory behaviour. Any deviation from those standards can carry disciplinary consequences.
Broader Implications
The development adds another layer to an already complex national conversation about immigration, enforcement and civic activism.
As the internal investigation unfolds, attention will be focused not only on the specific findings regarding the officer’s conduct, but also on how SAPS reinforces its commitment to neutrality and constitutional principles amid polarised public debate.
For now, the police service has moved to contain reputational damage by distancing itself from the alleged remarks and initiating formal proceedings.
Whether disciplinary action follows will depend on the outcome of the investigation, which SAPS has pledged to make public once complete.
