How police deal with illegal immigrants

The City Times asked the police how they deal with reports of illegal immigrants in the country.

According to Capt Nomsa Sekele, the Benoni SAPS spokesperson, the SAPS is mandated to police the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002, section 34 (2), read with section 41 of Act no 13 of 2002, Regulation 39 (8) on the reasonable suspicion that a person is a foreigner.

“The person must provide the relevant documentation to prove he/she is legal in the country,” she said.

“If they are not in the country legally, or there is reasonable suspicion that the documentation might be fraudulent, the person must be arrested and detained as soon as possible.

“The Department of Home Affairs will be contacted for further investigation into the legality of the documentation provided and will manage deportation.”

Sekele was asked what the public must do if the police request bribe money from foreign nationals.

“Any allegation of bribery or corruption must be reported to SAPS management without any delay,” said Sekele.

“It is important that the person – who alleges that bribery has occurred – comes forward to ensure the matter is dealt with.

“Prosecution cannot take place without the complainant or witnesses.

“The community must not allow corruption to happen and they must bear in mind that the person paying the bribe becomes the corrupter and is guilty of committing an offence, unless he or she reports the matter immediately.”