KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli led a multi-departmental operation in Durban Central on Friday, where several undocumented foreign nationals were detained during a raid on a local business.
The surprise inspection, prompted by a tip-off, was carried out alongside officials from the SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour, and Immigration authorities. The task team first descended on the premises of a logistics company, where workers were assembled and divided into two groups—South African citizens and undocumented migrants.
Those found without valid documentation were taken into custody and loaded into a police van for further processing. Premier Ntuli also conducted a brief inspection of the facility to assess working conditions.
Addressing the media afterwards, Ntuli said the operation was in response to complaints from local drivers who allege they are being overlooked for jobs in favour of undocumented foreigners willing to accept lower wages.
"Opportunities are being handed to undocumented foreigners because they accept low salaries," Ntuli stated. "We will continue with similar operations in other areas. Today, our informants told us that approximately 85 undocumented foreign nationals are driving trucks for this business."
The operation forms part of a broader government crackdown on illegal employment practices and the exploitation of undocumented workers, with officials vowing to intensify inspections across the province.