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

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it arrested 8,896 undocumented foreign nationals across the country during intensified immigration enforcement over a 14-day period. The operations were led by SAPS in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA).

National sweep and local operations

Police reported that the nationwide arrests followed a recent uptick in anti-illegal immigration activity and were part of coordinated enforcement efforts.

More than 800 people were arrested in Gauteng during operations last week. One targeted operation at the Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria resulted in the arrest of 217 suspects. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) assisted that operation.

Factory arrests in Free State

In the Free State, police said nine undocumented foreign nationals were arrested at a biscuit factory in Reitz following an intelligence-led operation on 3 July. The suspects remain in custody while officials verify their immigration status. Authorities have engaged the local municipality, and the factory could face closure while action against the owner is being considered.

Criminal charges and investigations

Police said some of those arrested during the enforcement actions also face charges including murder, rape and possession of an unlicensed firearm. A multidisciplinary team is investigating the murder of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa, who was shot outside his Johannesburg home on 4 July and died in hospital five days later.

Warning against vigilantism

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane warned communities not to take the law into their own hands. Her warning followed the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo, who allegedly posed as Home Affairs officials and demanded the removal of foreign nationals from Marapong township.

“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,” said Dimpane.

The police reminded the public that only authorised law enforcement officials may verify a person’s immigration status and warned that they will act against intimidation, vigilantism and violence. The Department of Home Affairs later confirmed that a Nigerian businessman targeted during the Lephalale incident was legally in South Africa and allowed to operate his business.

Next steps

Authorities said suspects remain in custody while their immigration status is verified and that investigations and possible prosecutions are ongoing.