CoolNews Investigation | By Staff Reporter Published: September 14, 2025
JOHANNESBURG – Pregnant Nigerian women are being forced to give birth on bare floors outside South African hospitals as the anti-migrant group Operation Dudula intensifies its campaign to block foreigners from accessing public healthcare facilities.
The alarming situation has sparked urgent calls for diplomatic intervention from Nigerian community leaders who describe the actions as a dangerous escalation of xenophobic violence that began earlier this year.
Hospital Raids Caught on Video
In a viral video obtained by CoolNews, an Operation Dudula leader is seen marching through a public hospital, ordering all non-South Africans to leave immediately.
“If you know yourself that you are not a South African, please stand up. Stand up right now. Don’t try us because we are going to check everybody,” the leader declared while forcing patients and visitors from the medical facility.
The grassroots movement, which claims to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking, has expanded its activities to include blocking clinics, inspecting businesses, and confronting immigrants across the country.
“Women Giving Birth Like Animals”
Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, painted a disturbing picture of the healthcare crisis facing his community.
“Imagine a woman giving birth on a bare floor in an open space in front of a hospital without getting any antenatal care and the assistance of a midwife,” Onyekwelu told CoolNews.
He described cases of patients being “forcefully discharged from hospitals without proper treatment and care,” warning that people could “die like chickens” in life-and-death situations.
While those with financial means are seeking care at private clinics, Nigerian doctors have stepped in to provide emergency assistance to victims unable to afford alternative healthcare options.
Nursing Mothers Denied Basic Care
Smart Nwobi, President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, revealed that the harassment has reached “alarming levels,” citing a recent incident involving a new mother prevented from getting her baby immunized.
“She just gave birth to a baby, so she went to the hospital to get immunized. She had an appointment with the doctor at the clinic. But members of Operation Dudula barred her from entering the hospital,” Nwobi explained.
The community leader described Operation Dudula as “criminals” operating outside government authority, noting ironically that some of the group’s leaders are themselves foreign-born with dual citizenship.
“The young man you saw in the viral video chasing foreigners out of the hospital is a South African by descent and Nigerian by birth,” Nwobi revealed.
Constitutional Violations Alleged
Legal experts argue that Operation Dudula’s actions violate Section 27 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees access to healthcare services. However, the group continues its operations despite condemnation from South African authorities.
The Nigerian community has reported the crisis to their embassy and is working with the African Diaspora Forum to pursue legal action, including potential injunctions through South Africa’s High Court.
Political Opposition Emerges
South African political figures have begun speaking out against the movement. Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has demanded investigations into Operation Dudula, describing them as “thugs” engaged in illegal activities.
A Nigerian resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, echoed these sentiments: “They’re simply criminals. Other political organizations have already started campaigns against them.”
Fresh Arrivals Face Hostility
Recent immigrants report immediate hostility upon arrival. Ify Eze, who moved to South Africa two weeks ago, described being called “a crazy Nigerian” by an immigration officer at the airport.
“The hostility, especially from some members of the Zulu community, is overwhelming,” she said. “If you manage to get through immigration without issues, it truly feels like divine intervention.”
Diplomatic Response Required
Former Nigerian diplomats are calling for immediate government intervention. Rasheed Akinkuolie, ex-Director of Trade and Investment at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the attacks as “illegal, unauthorized acts of thuggery.”
“The harassment of Africans and Nigerians by gangs in South Africa is illegal and acts of thuggery to tarnish the image of the South African government. These acts are vestiges of the apartheid mindset,” Akinkuolie stated.
He questioned why the violence appears to target Black immigrants while leaving white residents untouched, suggesting deeper racial motivations behind the campaign.
Continental Implications
Retired Ambassador to Mexico Ogbole Amedu-Ode warned that the crisis could damage broader African unity and diplomatic relations.
“This will bring about a diplomatic spark between South Africa and countries of affected individuals. It will also dent African solidarity, which does not augur well for intra- and inter-African relations,” he cautioned.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that African Ambassadors in South Africa are engaged in talks with the government to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
Community leaders are urging both Nigerian and South African governments to take immediate action before the situation deteriorates further, potentially triggering another wave of the deadly xenophobic violence that has plagued South Africa in previous years.
This is a developing story. CoolNews will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as they become available.
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