Limpopo police have arrested 127 undocumented foreign nationals, including 115 Zimbabweans, 9 Ethiopians and three Ghanaians, for contravening the Immigration Act.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday during a multidisciplinary operation conducted in the Vhembe District.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and safety stakeholders, intensified crime-fighting efforts through the ongoing Operation Retshepeng, “Trust Us”, under the banner of Operation Shanela II across all five districts of the province.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the operation included stop-and-searches, roadblocks, compliance inspections, verification of undocumented foreign nationals, tracing wanted suspects, crime prevention patrols and high-visibility policing.
He said the integrated operation resulted in the repatriation of 115 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals.
“Twelve undocumented foreign nationals, [including] nine Ethiopians and three Ghanaians, were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act.”
Mashaba said three employers were also arrested for allegedly employing undocumented foreign nationals.
“Police further arrested wanted suspects for various serious offences including robbery, theft, burglary, assault, possession of suspected stolen property and drug-related crimes.”
Mashaba said additional successes included arrests and fines for liquor-related offences, drug-related offences, illegal gambling, road traffic violations and other crimes.
“Police also confiscated dagga, crystal methamphetamine, more than 103 litres of liquor and nine dangerous weapons.”
He said a total of 302 law enforcement actions were recorded during the operation.
Meanwhile, Limpopo acting provincial police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers commended all law enforcement agencies and stakeholders for their commitment.
“The successes achieved through Operation Retshepeng demonstrate our determination to combat crime, enforce the law and protect our communities.”
“These integrated operations will continue across Limpopo to ensure criminals are brought to book and residents remain safe,” added Scheepers.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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