Twelve arrested in George joint operation targeting undocumented workers

Twelve people were arrested in a joint law enforcement operation in George that targeted undocumented foreign nationals employed in the central business district.

What happened

The operation took place on Tuesday 9 June and led to the arrest of 12 people on charges of contravention of the Immigration Act. The action was carried out by multiple agencies working together.

Agencies involved

The operation included the George Police, the Public Order Police, immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs, and George Traffic Services.

Custody and court appearance

According to Southern Cape Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies, the arrested individuals remain in police custody and are expected to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 11 June.

“The 12 individuals remain in police custody and are expected to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 11 June,” said Warrant Officer Chris Spies.

National context

The George operation was described in the source as part of a wider, heightened national focus on illegal immigration and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals. Government measures and statements cited in the reporting include intensified inspections, arrests, prosecutions and deportations, and stronger enforcement against employers who hire undocumented workers.

The source reports that in his address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government would tighten border controls, strengthen identity verification systems and increase enforcement measures. The labour department has begun a phased recruitment of 10 000 inspectors, according to the same reporting.

In addition, the source notes statements attributed to the deputy minister of employment and labour, Jomo Sibiya, that the department plans to impose fines on employers found to be hiring undocumented migrants.

Community concerns and government position

The reporting places the operation against a backdrop of growing public concern over illegal immigration and references isolated incidents of xenophobia and intimidation in the region. Government messaging quoted in the source emphasises that immigration laws must be enforced through legal channels and condemns vigilantism and xenophobic attacks.