Immigration – especially undocumented migration – has become a highly contentious political issue in South Africa, where protesters accuse them of putting pressure on public services, as well as being involved in crime.

March and March had set an unofficial deadline of June 30 for all undocumented immigrants to leave the country. Protesters have vowed to hold weekly marches until their demands are met.

The South African government has said more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since it launched a “migration management” campaign five weeks ago.

Xenophobia has long been a problem in South Africa, which is Africa’s richest nation and has long attracted immigrants seeking better economic opportunities.

At times it has led to violence, and this current round of demonstrations has seen violence, intimidation and looting.

On Tuesday, five people were arrested in Limpopo province for allegedly posing as immigration officers and illegally demanding foreigners leave the country.

Police said the incident involved a Nigerian national, who was legally in South Africa, who was intimidated and forced to close his business by the suspects.

Lieutenant General Dimpane issued a “stern warning” to those who “continue to intimidate, harass and perpetrate violence against foreign nationals.”

“The law applies equally to everyone,” he said.

“No individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections, verify legal status, or remove people from communities.”

When asked how some foreign nationals had treated anti-immigrant protesters, Dube said March and March rejected “any form of violence; we reject any form of anti-law.”

According to official figures, there are more than three million documented foreigners in South Africa, which does not include those who are in the country illegally.

Several countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda, have been arranging flights or buses for their citizens to return home in recent weeks.