South Africa is stepping up action against illegal migrants, and citizens must not take the law into their own hands, the government said Monday as protests against undocumented foreign nationals escalate.

Rising xenophobia in South Africa leaves migrants facing harassment, job losses and community violence.

Amid escalating protests against illegal immigration, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli warns businesses and locals of legal repercussions for harbouring undocumented…