Police officers locking in some of the suspects in a police van.
Pretoria North Rekord reports that a total of 11 illegal immigrants arrested during a raid by Ga-Rankuwa police will be deported to their respective countries, police said.
Police spokesperson Captain Matthews Nkoadi said the suspects were arrested during a raid carried out from Wednesday until Sunday.
READ MORE: 118 illegal immigrants arrested during raid at Springs Hotel
“A total of 44 suspects were arrested during the raid which involved disruptive operations to address all crimes around Ga-Rankuwa,” said Nkoadi.
Some of the activities included suspect-raiding by a group of detectives, roadblocks, stop and searches and police visibility around the Ga-Rankuwa policing area.
“All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Ga-Rankuwa magistrate’s court, and the illegal immigrants will be deported through the department of home affairs,” said Nkoadi.
Some of the 44 suspects were arrested for pointing of a firearm, possession of stolen property, illegal immigrants, malicious damage to property, common assault, shoplifting, possession of drugs, dealing in liquor, reckless and negligent driving, arson, business burglary and theft.
The raid was carried out after police noticed an increase in criminal activity including an influx of illegal immigrants in the community.
There were increases in assaults, robberies and burglaries.
Police said the operation would continue.
“We also need to make the community aware that harbouring these illegal immigrants, whether as employees or residents in their homes is unlawful and they will also be charged.”
He said residents had to ensure that all documents were in order before allowing immigrants into their homes.
“We urge our communities to contact our crime stop number 08600 10111 to report any crime at all times.”
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