Hundreds arrested in illegal immigration blitz in South Africa

A joint operation in Mayfair, Johannesburg, led to the arrest of 391 suspected illegal immigrants, which the Home Affairs Minister called their “most successful operation to date.”

The operation was conducted on 18 November by the Department of Home Affairs, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

During the operation, 217 women and 413 men were detained for contravening the Immigration Act, having been found in the country without valid documentation.

Detained individuals were processed by Home Affairs officials, which arrested 391 suspected illegal immigrants for deportation. The rest were released.

“In communities across South Africa, Home Affairs is ramping up enforcement to restore rule of law in our immigration system,” said Minister Dr Leon Schreiber.

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, said that the operation forms part of the City’s ongoing intelligence-led crime prevention and by-law enforcement initiatives.

“This operation is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work together decisively,” said Tshwaku.

“We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven interventions to restore safety and order in our communities.”

The JMPD’s Tactical Response Unit and K9 Unit have been tasked with intensifying investigations into criminal syndicates suspected of facilitating human trafficking and illegal immigration in the area

The MMC confirmed that further operations of this nature are planned across the city.