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Eastern Cape Premier Mabuyane denies link to Home Affairs operation

Published

Premier Oscar Mabuyane rejects claims by social media personality Ngizwe Mchunu that he is tied to an immigration enforcement operation. His office says the premier does not direct or authorise operations run by the Department of Home Affairs.

Mchunu claimed that Mabuyane is linked to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) operation in the province. He also made allegations about a satellite DHA office set up in a shopping mall.

Mabuyane accused Mchunu of promoting intimidation, violence and vigilantism. His spokesperson, Sonwabo Mbananga, said the timing of a government department's operation, on its own, does not show whether it was lawful or unlawful.

Key facts

Who
Oscar Mabuyane (Eastern Cape Premier); Ngizwe Mchunu (social media personality); Sonwabo Mbananga (spokesperson for Mabuyane); Department of Home Affairs (national government department conducting immigration enforcement operation)
What
Mabuyane rejected claims by social media personality Ngizwe Mchunu linking him to a DHA immigration enforcement operation, including allegations about a satellite DHA office in a shopping mall. His office said he does not direct or authorise DHA operations.
When
22 October 2026
Where
Eastern Cape
Status
Reported

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