South African police have arrested 8,896 undocumented foreign nationals in a nationwide immigration enforcement drive over the past two weeks. …reports Africa Daily News Desk
South African authorities have arrested 8,896 undocumented foreign nationals across the country over the past 14 days in a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration, while also appointing a multidisciplinary team to investigate the murder of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and other government agencies, said the operation targeted violations of the Immigration Act and related criminal offences.
According to SAPS, some of those arrested are also facing additional charges involving serious crimes, including murder, rape and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The arrests form part of the government’s intensified efforts to combat illegal immigration and associated criminal activities across the country.
In Gauteng alone, more than 800 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during a series of operations last week.
One of the operations, conducted on July 7 at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria with support from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other agencies, resulted in the arrest of 217 suspects. The operation targeted illegal mining and related criminal activities.
In a separate operation in Reitz in the Free State on July 3, intelligence-led investigations led officers to a biscuit manufacturing factory where nine undocumented foreign nationals were arrested.
The suspects remain in custody while authorities verify their immigration status. SAPS said the local municipality has been engaged and the factory faces possible closure as investigations continue. Authorities are also considering further action against the owner over alleged regulatory violations.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane also warned against intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals following the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo.
The suspects allegedly posed as Department of Home Affairs officials and demanded the removal of foreign nationals from Marapong township. A subsequent verification by the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the Nigerian businessman targeted during the incident was legally documented and authorised to operate his business in South Africa.
Separately, SAPS announced the formation of a multidisciplinary team to investigate the murder of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa.
Somgaxa was shot in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on July 4 and died from his injuries in hospital on July 9.
“Violence, whether perpetrated by South Africans or foreign nationals, destroys communities, erodes trust, and will never be tolerated as a solution to resolve disputes. We urge communities to not take matters into their own hands. Our men and women in blue are hard at work in arresting those who contravene the laws of our country,” Dimpane said.
SAPS also reminded the public that only authorised law enforcement officials are permitted to conduct immigration inspections and verify the legal status of individuals. It warned that acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence would be dealt with decisively.
