21 undocumented foreign nationals arrested in Durban law enforcement raid

Twenty-one undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested during a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation in Durban on Thursday.

Police and other law enforcement authorities are raiding various business premises in the city, targeting undocumented foreign nationals. Illicit goods were also confiscated during the operation.

On Thursday morning, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, the Border Management Authority, and immigration officers raided business premises in Durban's busy West Street.

During the operation, 21 illegal foreign nationals were initially arrested for being in the country illegally. However, one of them questioned his arrest, asserting his innocence.

“I am not Sgebungu, I’m not what what - why are you throwing my shoes? I am not a Sgebengu or what, I am a poor man, you know?”

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said the operation is ongoing.

“They were able, in fact, to close down 13 shops that were operating without permits or rather permits that have expired and a lot of goods, some of them expired, were discovered with unmatching barcodes, for an example, when you check a barcode of a cigarette, it shows you something else than a cigarette.”

Ntuli said those arrested will be deported to their home countries.