GOOD accuses Cilliers Brink of populism over hijacked building raid

The GOOD Party has criticised Democratic Alliance (DA) Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink over an alleged armed raid involving private security forces targeting people suspected of being undocumented migrants.

The raid reportedly took place on Monday, 5 October.

CILLIERS BRINK ACCUSED OF POPULISM OVER RAID

GOOD secretary-general Brett Heron said Brink’s actions placed the DA alongside groups and political parties that have adopted hardline positions on immigration.

Heron said Brink had claimed that, as a peace officer, he had the right to demand that people produce their identity documents.

“Brink hasn’t explained his sudden interest in illegal immigrants and occupied buildings, a month away from the local government elections, when he showed no such interest during his mayoral term of office,” Heron said.

Heron accused Brink of seeking publicity through the operation, saying it revealed what he described as another side of the DA.

“Politically, Brink’s attention-seeking reveals another hard right turn in the Geordin Hill-Lewis-led DA, and the final abandonment of liberal principles embodied by the likes of iconic Helen Suzman,” he said.

Heron also criticised Brink for allegedly taking on responsibilities that fall within the mandate of national law-enforcement and immigration authorities.

❌ Lawlessness cannot continue like this.
DA Mayoral Candidate for Tshwane, Cilliers Brink, recently went on a site visit to an abandoned house in Lynnwood Glen, and it was harrowing to say the least.

Back the DA to get Tshwane safe for all by visiting https://t.co/vACoD6UuIZ… pic.twitter.com/6EhWrhZ1r8

— DA Gauteng (@DAGauteng) October 5, 2026

‘STATE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEALING WITH IMMIGRATION’

Heron said the state was responsible for managing immigration and enforcing the country’s immigration laws.

“Ceding law-enforcement responsibilities to the likes of Cilliers Brink and March and March enables anarchy, vigilantism and conservative nationalism,” he said.

The comments come amid heightened tensions over immigration in South Africa, with groups such as March and March campaigning for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented migrants. The group has staged several protests in Durban in recent months, including demonstrations outside the Department of Home Affairs refugee reception centre on Che Guevara Road.

The Durban protests have at times resulted in clashes between March and March members and migrants and refugees. Police have previously used tear gas and rubber bullets to separate protesters and people staying at the site.

Tensions are rising on Moore Road as police officers clash with protesters, who are demanding that everyone inside Home Affairs leave the building. Protesters are also calling for the office to remain closed until the Constitutional Court’s latest ruling is overturned. pic.twitter.com/kiENmRVovx

— Durban Network (@Durbannetwork) October 7, 2026