Limpopo – A multi-agency operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Health, the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies is underway across Limpopo to arrest undocumented migrants and enforce immigration laws.
Since the operation began at 3am, 76 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested, with roadblocks set up across the Capricorn District to inspect vehicles and verify documentation.
Acting Limpopo Police Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers said only law enforcement officials have the authority to check immigration documents and urged communities not to take the law into their own hands.
“So, we’ve got a multidisciplinary operation that’s running since 3 o’clock this morning and this operation will continue as we go along. Currently this operation has got a number of roadblocks, you’ll see the whole of Capricorn District is blocked off. So, we are searching every vehicle to make sure that those who are in the country without documentation, we arrest them.
Because to be in this country illegally is a crime and our mandate is to fight crime. So far, we’ve got already 76 illegal foreigners arrested and we’ll continue throughout the day with this operation,” Scheepers said.
According to SABC News, Nationally, police say 8,896 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested over the past 14 days, with some also facing serious criminal charges including murder, rape and illegal firearm possession. Recent operations also led to hundreds of arrests in Gauteng and the Free State.
Meanwhile, Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane warned against intimidation and vigilantism targeting foreign nationals, stressing that only authorised officials may verify immigration status and that violence against migrants will not be tolerated.
She also confirmed that a multidisciplinary team is investigating the murder of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
