At least 29 foreign nationals, including Chinese and Malawian suspects, have been arrested in Newcastle for allegedly registering SIM cards illegally.
Authorities seized a significant amount of equipment during the operation, including 50 computers, 30 laptops, 500 registration machines, and thousands of SIM cards.
The raid was carried out under Operation Vala Umgodi Newcastle by the Newcastle Organised Crime Unit, Provincial Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Pietermaritzburg K9 Unit.
Illegally registered SIM cards are often linked to various criminal activities, prompting law enforcement to crack down on such operations.
Officials confirmed that the scene is still being processed as investigations continue.