Limpopo operation in Vhembe leads to 127 arrests, 115 Zimbabweans repatriated

Limpopo police arrested 127 undocumented foreign nationals during a multidisciplinary operation in the Vhembe District, the South African Police Service said. The arrests took place on Thursday as part of a broader enforcement push across the province.

Who was detained and what followed

The arrests included 115 Zimbabweans, nine Ethiopians and three Ghanaians, officials said. The operation resulted in the repatriation of 115 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals.

Operation details and partners

The operation was a multidisciplinary effort carried out in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and safety stakeholders under the banner of Operation Shanela II, and formed part of the ongoing Operation Retshepeng, “Trust Us” crime-fighting initiatives across all five districts of the province.

Activities carried out

Police described a range of activities included in the operation: stop-and-searches, roadblocks, compliance inspections, verification of undocumented foreign nationals, tracing wanted suspects, crime prevention patrols and high-visibility policing.

Additional arrests, seizures and fines

Authorities said three employers were arrested for allegedly employing undocumented foreign nationals. Police also arrested wanted suspects for offences that included robbery, theft, burglary, assault, possession of suspected stolen property and drug-related crimes.

Other results recorded during the operation included arrests and fines for liquor-related offences, drug-related offences, illegal gambling, road traffic violations and other crimes. Police reported confiscating dagga, crystal methamphetamine, more than 103 litres of liquor and nine dangerous weapons.

In total, law enforcement recorded 302 law enforcement actions during the operation.

Police response

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba described the range of enforcement measures and outcomes.

“Twelve undocumented foreign nationals, [including] nine Ethiopians and three Ghanaians, were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act.”

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers commended the agencies and stakeholders involved and highlighted the purpose of the integrated operations.

“The successes achieved through Operation Retshepeng demonstrate our determination to combat crime, enforce the law and protect our communities.”

“These integrated operations will continue across Limpopo to ensure criminals are brought to book and residents remain safe,”

Police provided the operational details and outcomes to media in a statement to the press.