KwaZulu-Natal police carried out a major operation at a clothing factory in Shakaville on Thursday, where over 300 undocumented foreign nationals are believed to have been employed in the production of fashion and workwear garments.
The raid took place at the Genroy Clothing factory, where police had to use ladders to scale locked gates after workers attempted to barricade themselves inside. Once on the premises, officers began systematically removing employees to identify South African nationals from undocumented individuals.
Several workers attempted to flee but were apprehended. Inside, authorities discovered rows of sewing machines, piles of fabric, and finished garments. A significant number of female employees were still found working at their stations during the operation.
Officials from the Department of Home Affairs have commenced identity verification, with many of the workers believed to be Malawian nationals. The factory’s owners and managers have been summoned for questioning.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli was also on site and received a briefing on the developing situation. Investigations are ongoing.