South African police have arrested over 1,200 suspects, including 159 undocumented foreign nationals, during a major operation in Gauteng province.
The arrests come weeks after the country carried out one of its biggest crackdowns on undocumented migrants in years, following weeks of anti-immigration protests that saw violence, intimidation, and looting.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the government will identify and deport undocumented migrants and set up immigration courts to address the country’s migration challenges.
Who Was Arrested
According to South African police, those arrested include:
· 157 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol
· 159 undocumented foreign nationals for violating the Immigration Act
· 751 wanted suspects, including 135 linked to crimes against women and children
· Suspects found in possession of stolen vehicles
· Suspects for possession of drugs and dealing in liquor without a licence
The operation was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, as part of Operation Shanela.
The Crackdown
The arrests are part of South Africa’s ongoing “migration management” campaign. The government has already deported or repatriated more than 53,000 foreign nationals in the past five weeks, according to an earlier government report.
The Department of Home Affairs has also blocked the identity documents of some citizens and has begun investigating the validity of documents, warning that failure to act could lead to “possible permanent cancellation.”
Regional Reactions
The wave of attacks against foreign nationals has led several countries to evacuate their citizens. Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and others have organised repatriation for citizens wishing to return home.
Presidents Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and John Mahama of Ghana condemned the xenophobic attacks during the 69th Ordinary Session of the Ecowas Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Sunday.
The Bottom Line
South Africa has arrested over 1,200 suspects, including 159 undocumented foreign nationals, during a major operation in Gauteng province. The crackdown comes amid weeks of anti-immigration protests and violence against foreign nationals. The government has deported or repatriated more than 53,000 people in the past five weeks. Nigeria and Ghana have condemned the xenophobic attacks.
