Over 200 arrested foreigners to be deported

The Department of Home Affairs is engaging with various embassies to finalise arrangements for the deportation of 286 illegal immigrants who were arrested during a joint operation by the police in Johannesburg.

The police in conjunction with the Provincial Traffic Police and Saturation Unit, immigration officers, South African Revenue Service Customs, Metro police and clothing brand owners conducted a joint operation on 7 August in Johannesburg. The aim of the operation was to clamp down on counterfeit goods and criminal elements in the city centre.

About 560 undocumented foreign nationals were taken into custody for verification and profiling. Furthermore, six rifles, six pistols, four shotguns and hundreds of ammunition of varying calibres (all unlicensed), were found in one room on the 12th floor of a shopping centre on Rahima Moosa Street.

Huge consignments of counterfeit goods, including clothing and sneakers, were confiscated from different buildings. A number of 46 vehicles including panel vans carrying counterfeit goods were found on different basement parking levels at another building.

Spokesperson for Department of Home Affairs Siya Qoza revealed that 286 of the 560 arrested undocumented foreigners appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court where it was ruled that they were in the country illegally and should be deported back to their countries of origin.

Qoza said the group was taken to Lindela Repatriation Centre while the department verified citizenship with the various embassies of countries they allegedly originate from.

“Once the embassies confirm that they are indeed from the respective countries, arrangements would be made for them to be deported,” said Qoza.

Another 111 are due to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court for the ruling on their legality in the country. Qoza said the remaining 163 were verified to be documented and legal in the country. “As soon as the court has decided on the 111 people, Home Affairs will follow proper processes,” added Qoza.

Meanwhile, seven police officers, a warrant officer and four constables were arrested at Johannesburg Central Police Station for corruption and defeating the ends of justice after allegedly attempting to resell confiscated goods to traders. Furthermore, two members from the tactical response team were arrested after police investigated a possible leak of information about the planned joint operation.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said, “The two were linked through investigation and on an eye witness account. Police believe the loot found in the 46 vehicles in the basement parking, could be the cargo that was removed the night before after illegal traders had received a tip-off.”

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the Crime Intelligence and Anti-Corruption Unit for a successful operation. “We certainly hope that the arrest of seven of our own will prove to the people of Gauteng that we are serious about eradicating crime, even if it means arresting our own. No one is above the law,” said Mawela.

Which other areas do you think police should conduct similar operations?

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https://northeasterntribune.co.za/239536/foreign-nationals-embark-peaceful-protest/

https://northeasterntribune.co.za/239000/police-clash-foreign-nationals-joburg-cbd/