KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli, has confirmed that the majority of undocumented migrants arrested in Durban’s South Beach area during a police raid have been deported. However, those found to have committed crimes remain in custody, facing legal action. "Except for those who were discovered to have committed crimes. They are still held up in prison cells so that they answer for their actions," said Ntuli.
The raid, conducted two months ago in the Point area, led to the arrest of more than 120 people for being in the country illegally. Authorities carried out extensive searches in derelict buildings, which had reportedly been illegally occupied. The operation resulted in the seizure of counterfeit US dollars worth R4 million, along with firearms, ammunition, and drugs.
Following another operation in Albert Park on Monday, Premier Ntuli provided an update, stating that similar raids had been conducted in other parts of the province. In Pietermaritzburg, additional undocumented foreign nationals were discovered, many of whom have since been deported. "A number of them were deported back to their countries, while others with criminal cases are still going through the process of answering to their behaviour," Ntuli added.
These operations are part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal activities and undocumented immigration in the region.