South Africa has denied claims circulating on social media that it is paying members of the public to report undocumented foreign nationals.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Department of Home Affairs described the notice as fake, saying it did not originate from the department. It added that neither the department nor the Minister of Home Affairs offers financial rewards for reporting undocumented migrants.

The department urged the public to verify information through its official communication channels before sharing it, warning that spreading false information could mislead people and fuel misinformation.

It also called on citizens to act responsibly online and respect the rule of law by relying on verified government information.

The clarification comes amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians and other African migrants, have reportedly been targeted in recent attacks.

In response to the violence, the Nigerian government has begun evacuating affected citizens. Hundreds of Nigerians have registered to return home after reportedly losing their homes and livelihoods.

Nigeria has continued to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels while expressing concern over the attacks on its citizens.
South Africa has denied claims circulating on social media that it is paying members of the public to report undocumented foreign nationals.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Department of Home Affairs described the notice as fake, saying it did not originate from the department. It added that neither the department nor the Minister of Home Affairs offers financial rewards for reporting undocumented migrants.

The department urged the public to verify information through its official communication channels before sharing it, warning that spreading false information could mislead people and fuel misinformation.

It also called on citizens to act responsibly online and respect the rule of law by relying on verified government information.

The clarification comes amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians and other African migrants, have reportedly been targeted in recent attacks.

In response to the violence, the Nigerian government has begun evacuating affected citizens. Hundreds of Nigerians have registered to return home after reportedly losing their homes and livelihoods.

Nigeria has continued to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels while expressing concern over the attacks on its citizens.