A law enforcement operation targeting the alleged illegal employment of undocumented foreign nationals in Mandeni, northern KwaZulu-Natal, has been halted after authorities reportedly received information that details of the raid had been leaked.
The operation was planned as a follow-up to a similar raid conducted in the area last year.
Authorities launched Monday morning’s operation after receiving a tip-off alleging that more than 400 undocumented migrants were being illegally employed at businesses in the Isithebe industrial area.
However, when law enforcement teams arrived for the planned operation, several companies were found to be closed.
Police units, including public order police and tactical response teams, had been placed on standby to conduct inspections and raids at factories in the area.
Instead, officers encountered workers leaving the industrial area and returning home.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said the operation had effectively been compromised after information about the planned raid was allegedly leaked.
“Unfortunately, this time around I’ve spoken to these employees here, and they are telling me that the information was leaked and, as a result, they were told not to come to work and some were released in the morning,” Ntuli said.
The premier described the development as a setback for authorities attempting to address the employment of undocumented foreign nationals and ensure compliance with immigration and labour laws.
Police have confirmed that an investigation is under way to determine how the classified information about the operation was shared.
Authorities are expected to assess the circumstances surrounding the leak and consider further action against businesses found to be employing workers illegally.