Cape Town – Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Nkhensani Mmamoloko Kubayi says government is making steady progress in implementing its Five-Point Plan on Migration, with intensified law enforcement operations targeting criminal networks linked to illegal migration.
Kubayi was speaking during an Interministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration media briefing in Pretoria, where she outlined progress made under the first pillar of the plan, which focuses on combating crime and strengthening law enforcement.
“We continue to intensify integrated law enforcement operations targeting criminal networks that exploit migration vulnerabilities, including businesses that employ illegal migrants.”
The minister said multi-agency operations involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs, the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies had resulted in significant progress against illegal border crossings, human trafficking networks, labour exploitation, fraudulent documentation syndicates, illegal mining operations and criminal enterprises that facilitate unlawful migration.
RECAP 📹| Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Nkhensani Mmamoloko Kubayi outlines the progress made in implementing the government’s Five-Point Plan on Migration.#GovZAUpdates #MigrationSA pic.twitter.com/NuxMjD7AY5
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 27, 2026
“Department of Employment and Labour also plays a key role by conducting inspections at workplaces as part of the integrated enforcement strategy,” Kubayi added
According to the minister, the operations have led to an increase in arrests, improved processing of undocumented persons and stronger coordination between law enforcement agencies.
She said authorities have so far registered 354 cases involving individuals accused of contravening laws relating to migration, with prosecutions still pending.
she also revealed that a further 69 people were arrested in Jeffreys Bay over the weekend and appeared in court on Monday.
She stressed that the enforcement of immigration laws remains the responsibility of authorised state institutions and warned that criminal conduct would not be tolerated.
“Government is making it clear that migration management is fundamentally a rule of law matter, and it has to be undertaken by those who are entitled to do so or who have the authority to do so. Criminality will not be tolerated regardless of who is involved.”
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/ @mmkubayi
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
