SAPS detains 8,896 undocumented foreign nationals in two-week enforcement drive

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it detained 8,896 undocumented foreign nationals during a two-week enforcement drive carried out with other government agencies.

Operations across provinces

SAPS described the arrests as part of intensified immigration enforcement operations conducted nationwide in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and other government departments. The detentions were for alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act.

Serious-crime charges and specific raids

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said some of those arrested are facing additional charges linked to serious crimes, including murder, rape and possession of unlicensed firearms. She framed the figures as reflecting government resolve:

“These figures reflect government’s commitment to deal decisively with illegal immigration and related offences across the country,” van Wyk.

In Gauteng, more than 800 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during several operations last week. One of the largest single operations occurred at the Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria on July 7, where police assisted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other stakeholders detained 217 suspects. Van Wyk said the operation targeted illegal mining activities and related criminal offences.

In the Free State, intelligence-led officers arrested nine undocumented foreign nationals at a biscuit manufacturing factory in Reitz on July 3. Van Wyk said the suspects remained in custody pending immigration verification, that the municipality had been engaged, and that the factory faced closure while investigations continue. She added authorities were weighing further action against the owner for alleged non-compliance.

Vigilantism and misuse of authority

Police used the announcement to warn communities against taking matters into their own hands. The warning followed 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 and urged communities to allow law enforcement to perform their duties. Dimpane said:

“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 also stressed that immigration inspections can only be carried out by authorised officials and warned that authorities would act decisively against vigilantism:

“Only authorised law enforcement officials may conduct inspections and verify the legal status of individuals within South Africa.”

“Acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence will be met with decisive action.”

Commitment to enforcement and protection

SAPS said it remains committed to enforcing immigration laws while ensuring that residents are protected from unlawful intimidation and violence.