More than 30 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested during a multidisciplinary compliance operation targeting businesses in Pietermaritzburg.
The operation, conducted on Thursday morning, involved the South African Police Service (SAPS), Umsunduzi Municipality law enforcement officers, private security personnel and labour inspectors.
Authorities visited several businesses across the KwaZulu-Natal capital as part of efforts to enforce immigration, labour and trading regulations.
Most of those arrested are believed to be business owners who were unable to produce valid documentation confirming their legal status in South Africa.
The suspects will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs for further investigation.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the operation was aimed at maintaining law and order and addressing various forms of non-compliance.
“We are doing so to ensure that we clean our streets, clean our country. We are looking for drugs, second-hand goods which are not sold properly and thus far we have arrested over 30 people who are in the country illegally,” Netshiunda said.
Several businesses were also shut down after authorities found them allegedly violating municipal regulations and labour laws.
The operation comes amid growing concerns over undocumented immigration and compliance with business regulations in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.