Zandile Dubula, Operation Dudula Leader, Under Criminal Investigation
Zandile Dubula, Operation Dudula Leader, is under criminal investigation following the tragic death of a one-year-old child in Alexandra, Johannesburg, after the child’s mother was allegedly denied access to healthcare by members of the anti-immigration movement.
Gauteng police have confirmed that they are probing a criminal complaint against Operation Dudula and its prominent leader, Zandile Dubula. This stems from the heartbreaking incident where a Malawian national, Grace Banda, aged 21, claims she was barred from entering the Alexandra Community Health Centre on 31 July 2025. Her one-year-old son, Praise Banda, was gravely ill at the time, suffering from symptoms that required urgent medical attention. Despite her pleas, Grace Banda says members of Operation Dudula demanded a South African identity document before allowing entry, a requirement she could not meet as a foreign national. Tragically, the child passed away the following day, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng took swift action by opening a murder case at the Alexandra Police Station on 20 September 2025. Led by EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga, party members marched to the station to file the charges, accusing Operation Dudula of conducting a “barbaric” campaign that prevents allegedly illegal foreigners from accessing public healthcare services across the country. Dunga, speaking outside the Alexandra police station, emphasised the EFF’s clear position on immigration.
“The EFF stance is that everyone must be documented and accounted for. The State must have the ability to track every person’s movement in the country. But this doesn’t mean we must allow lawlessness to raise its ugly head in the guise of some misguided patriotism,” he said.
Dunga further condemned the movement’s actions, stating that they violate constitutional rights and endanger lives. “The EFF will not allow our public facilities to be hijacked and run through the logic of vigilante groups like Operation Dudula. A young lady, Grace Banda, was denied entrance to all clinics around Alexandra until her sick child died.
“Pregnant women are forced to give birth outside clinic gates, and EFF cannot stand by and watch, for the sake of scoring cheap political points. Human lives are a much greater price for such political stunts,” he added.
The EFF also expressed support for other citizens whose constitutional rights were violated when members of the movement prevented them from accessing healthcare services in Soweto. The party highlighted that denying access to healthcare is not only unconstitutional but also reminiscent of apartheid-era pass laws, posing a grave public health danger to everyone, regardless of nationality.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed on 21 September 2025 that an inquiry docket has been opened at the Alexandra station. “The police have opened an inquiry docket. Once the investigation is complete, the docket will be taken to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision,” Masondo explained. This means the matter could potentially lead to formal charges of murder or culpable homicide, depending on the evidence gathered.
Operation Dudula has strongly denied any involvement in the incident. In a statement, the organisation refuted the allegations, calling them reckless and misleading. “Operation Dudula categorically refutes claims alleging that our movement was involved in an incident where a child allegedly died after being denied medical care. These allegations are reckless and misleading, especially in the absence of credible evidence or proof linking our members to such an event,” the group stated. They further clarified that no members were deployed to the Alexandra clinic on the day in question and insisted their campaigns focus on advocating for stricter immigration controls without endorsing violence or unlawful denial of services.
This case highlights the broader tensions surrounding Operation Dudula’s activities. Founded as an anti-immigration movement, Operation Dudula has gained attention for its protests against what it terms “undocumented foreigners” overburdening South African public services. Over recent months, members have been reported barricading gates at various public healthcare facilities in Johannesburg, including clinics in Jeppe, Bez Valley, Hillbrow, Malvern, Kensington, Rosettenville, and Soweto. Their actions include pulling people out of queues and demanding proof of legal residency before allowing entry.
Such tactics have led to multiple reports of vulnerable individuals being turned away. For instance, pregnant women have been forced to deliver babies outside clinic premises, while infants have missed critical vaccinations. One asylum seeker from Malawi, Aisha Amadu, recounted being chased away from Jeppe Clinic with her two-year-old baby, who needed routine care. Another Malawian national, Grace Issah, described being denied entry multiple times for her 14-week-old child’s vaccine, expressing despair over the lack of alternatives due to financial constraints.
These incidents have drawn sharp criticism from human rights bodies and government departments. The South African Human Rights Commission has condemned Operation Dudula’s actions as violations of basic human rights, emphasising that everyone in South Africa has a constitutional right to access healthcare without discrimination. The Department of Health has echoed this, warning that such blockades undermine universal healthcare access and could lead to public health crises, such as unvaccinated children spreading preventable diseases.
Legal experts and advocacy groups have also weighed in. Organisations like the Khulumani Advocacy Against Xenophobia (KAAX) have filed court applications seeking interdicts against Operation Dudula, arguing that their vigilante-style operations are unlawful and betray democratic principles. KAAX spokesperson Mike Ndlovu stated that denying healthcare is a criminal act and called on healthcare workers to uphold their duty to treat all patients impartially.
The EFF’s involvement underscores their Pan-Africanist stance, which advocates for documented migration while protecting human rights. Dunga addressed criticisms that the party is soft on illegal immigration, explaining that their fight against Operation Dudula is about safeguarding South Africans too. “Outside of the protection of human rights, individual human rights, it’s also the protection of the very same South Africans as well who can fall victim of this particular nature. At times, I am mistaken to be someone of illegal immigration, they tell me I am a Pakistani, where is your ID and I am born and bred here. Should I be denied access to healthcare on the basis there is someone standing at the gates and defines being South African in their own narrow-minded perspective?”
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za