What's happening in South Africa? 1,900 foreigners arrested in a massive anti-immigration crackdown.
Official figures reveal that more than 29,000 illegal foreigners have been arrested since the beginning of the year.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
In one of the broadest security campaigns related to the immigration issue In South AfricaThe authorities sparked widespread controversy after announcing the arrest of nearly 1,900 foreigners in just one week, in operations described as part of an intensive campaign targeting illegal immigration and organized crime.
1,900 foreigners arrested in a large-scale anti-immigration campaign
South African police announced that they arrested 1,891 foreigners last week for violating immigration laws, as part of intensive nationwide operations targeting illegal immigration and related crimes.
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Pauling Dembane said the arrests were made as part of Operation Shanela, a police crackdown against illegal immigration, organized crime and violent crime.
Official figures reveal that more than 29,000 illegal foreigners have been arrested since the beginning of the year.
Dempane said that as part of the intensive operations underway in all provinces, a total of 1,891 illegal foreigners were arrested during the past week alone for violating immigration law.
She said the police would continue to intensify their efforts to enforce the law to ensure that anyone found in the country illegally is held accountable according to the law.
Dembane urged communities to report criminal activity while avoiding acts of violence or intimidation of foreign nationals, stressing that all operations are conducted within the bounds of the constitution.
Police figures show that between January 1 and May 17, a total of 29,371 illegal foreign nationals were arrested during intelligence operations, roadblocks, tracking initiatives and searches in all provinces.
Authorities say the security campaign is part of a broader effort to stabilize communities affected by illegal activities linked to undocumented migration.
The South African government announced it was intensifying its measures to combat irregular migration, stressing that law enforcement remains the responsibility of official authorities, amid escalating anti-immigrant protests in several cities and regions across the country.
A number of ministers held an emergency meeting to discuss the repercussions of the weeks-long protests, amid accusations from anti-immigration groups that illegal immigrants were involved in crimes and were taking jobs intended for local citizens.
