Over 150 Undocumented Nationals Caught in Hillbrow
More than 150 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during a police raid in Hillbrow on Wednesday, March 5.
The arrests took place as part of Operation Nomakanjani Manje Namhlanje, a multidisciplinary effort involving the South African Police Services (SAPS), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and Immigration officials.
MMC for Public Safety Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku said the operation targeted buildings hijacked by foreign nationals, identified as hotspots for criminal activity.
“We’ve arrested more than 150 illegal migrants. Most of these flats here are sealed, which makes it hard for us to gain entry,” he stated.
MMC Tshwaku added that not everyone occupying these buildings was arrested; only those found in possession of drugs and undocumented migrants.
Some items recovered include drugs and ingredients to manufacture fake alcohol.
Among those arrested is an alleged drug dealer operating on Esselen Street.
Those arrested were handed over to the Home Affairs Immigration Unit for verification and processing in accordance with the Immigration Act and possible deportation.
