Police have arrested 8 896 foreign nationals across the country in the past two weeks for contravening immigration laws, with some suspects also facing charges including murder, rape and possession of unlicensed firearms.

The South African Police Service, working with the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority and other government departments, has intensified operations targeting illegal immigration and related criminal activities nationwide.

In one of the largest operations last week, police arrested more than 800 undocumented foreign nationals across Gauteng Province. On 7 July, officers supported by the South African National Defence Force arrested 217 suspects at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria. The operation targeted illegal mining activities and related criminal offences in the area.

In Reitz, Free State, intelligence-led officers to a biscuit manufacturing factory on 3 July 2026, where nine undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. The suspects remain in custody pending immigration verification. The municipality has been engaged and the factory faces closure while investigations continue. Authorities are considering further action against the owner for alleged non-compliance.

The acting national commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has issued a stern warning against unlawful intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals following an incident in Lephalale, Limpopo.

Five suspects were arrested after posing as Home Affairs officials and unlawfully demanding the removal of foreign nationals from Marapong township. Verification by the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the targeted Nigerian national was legally documented and permitted to operate his business.

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A multidisciplinary team has been appointed to investigate the murder of March and March Gauteng leader Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa, who was shot in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on 4 July. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 9 July.

“Violence, whether perpetrated by South Africans or foreign nationals, destroys communities, erodes trust, and will never be tolerated as a solution to resolve disputes. We urge communities to not take matters into their own hands. Our men and women in blue are hard at work in arresting those who contravene the laws of our country,” Lt Gen Dimpane said.

SAPS reminded the public that only authorised law enforcement officials may conduct inspections and verify the legal status of individuals within South Africa. Acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence will be met with decisive action.

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