South African Police Service (SAPS), accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, raided a textile factory in Stanger on Thursday after discovering it was employing over 300 undocumented foreign nationals.
The operation formed part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration and non-compliant businesses.
SABC News reported that law enforcement arrived at the factory and found the gates locked.
Officers used ladders to scale the walls and gain access to the premises. Inside, they found hundreds of undocumented workers.
Undocumented workers attempt to flee
Some of the workers attempted to flee into nearby bushes, but police arrested them.
The Department of Home Affairs was on-site to begin processing those detained to determine their immigration status.
According to SABC News, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said authorities would deport all foreign nationals found to be in the country illegally.
“Once Home Affairs confirms their immigration status, the police will assist in deporting those without legal documentation,” Ntuli said.
Business owners face arrest
Ntuli noted that Home Affairs had already secured buses for deportation following earlier raids.
He also confirmed that police arrested the factory owners for employing undocumented workers.
Should the government do more to stop businesses from hiring undocumented workers?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
