Former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba says illegal immigration is a major factor behind crime in South Africa, arguing that it intersects with broader governance failures and inadequate political oversight. Speaking in the context of what he describes as a wider crime wave, Mashaba links the presence of undocumented migrants to pressures on policing and public administration, contending that weaknesses in how immigration and security are managed can contribute to rising criminal activity. The reporting frames the argument as part of an ongoing public debate, rather than presenting new, independently verified evidence specific to immigration status and crime rates. Other elements of the discussion, including the role of state capacity, law enforcement priorities, and policy enforcement, are presented through the lens of Mashaba’s claims about oversight shortcomings. Overall, the sources reflect disagreement and debate on the drivers of crime, with this outlet highlighting the view that illegal immigration is a significant contributor while situating the claim within concerns about governance and monitoring.