The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 8,896 undocumented foreign nationals in the past two weeks as authorities continue with intensified immigration enforcement operations across the country.
The arrests, made in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and other government departments, were for alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said some of those arrested are also facing additional charges linked to serious crimes, including murder, rape and possession of unlicensed firearms.
“These figures reflect government’s commitment to deal decisively with illegal immigration and related offences across the country,” van Wyk.
The latest figures underscore government’s intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration and tackle criminal activities associated with undocumented migrants.
In Gauteng, more than 800 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during several operations conducted last week. One of the largest operations took place at the Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria on July 7, where police, supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other stakeholders, arrested 217 suspects.
“The operation targeted illegal mining activities and other related criminal offences in the area,” van Wyk said.
Meanwhile, in Reitz in the Free State, intelligence-led officers arrested nine undocumented foreign nationals at a biscuit manufacturing factory on July 3.
“The suspects remain in custody pending immigration verification. The municipality has been engaged, and the factory faces closure while investigations continue. Authorities are weighing further action against the owner for alleged non-compliance,” van Wyk said.
The police also used the opportunity to warn against vigilante action targeting foreign nationals.
The warning follows the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo, who allegedly posed as Home Affairs officials and unlawfully demanded the removal of foreign nationals from Marapong township.
“Verification by the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the targeted Nigerian national was legally documented and permitted to operate his business,” van Wyk said.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane condemned violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals.
“Violence, whether perpetrated by South Africans or foreign nationals, destroys communities, erodes trust, and will never be tolerated as a solution to resolve disputes.”
She urged communities to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties.
“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 further stressed that immigration inspections can only be conducted by authorised officials.
“Only authorised law enforcement officials may conduct inspections and verify the legal status of individuals within South Africa.”
She warned that authorities would act decisively against any acts of vigilantism.
“Acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence will be met with decisive action.”
SAPS said it remains committed to enforcing immigration laws while ensuring that all residents are protected from unlawful intimidation and violence.
