REITZ – Nine undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested during a police operation at a biscuit manufacturing factory on a farm near Reitz, amid heightened national attention on illegal immigration and the employment of undocumented workers.

The SAPS said the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Operational Command Centre received information that undocumented foreign nationals were allegedly employed at the factory.

Police acted swiftly on the intelligence and conducted an operation at the premises on Friday 3 July, resulting in the arrest of all nine suspects. They remain in police custody while immigration authorities finalise the necessary administrative and legal processes to determine their status in South Africa.

The local municipality has been informed of the matter, and the factory is expected to be closed pending the outcome of further investigations. Authorities are also considering legal action against the owner for alleged non-compliance with South African immigration, labour and other applicable legislation governing the employment of foreign nationals.

Arrests made in the wake of nationwide protests

The arrests come just days after anti-illegal immigration demonstrations were held in several cities across South Africa on Tuesday 30 June.

Thousands of protesters marched carrying South African flags and called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, the deportation of undocumented migrants and stronger action against businesses employing people who are in the country illegally.

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While many of the demonstrations remained peaceful, some forced several foreign-owned businesses to close temporarily while many foreign nationals stayed away from work over fears for their safety.

Although police have not linked the Reitz operation directly to the nationwide demonstrations, the arrests are likely to add to the growing public debate surrounding illegal immigration, border security and the enforcement of labour laws. Government departments have repeatedly stressed that employers found to be knowingly employing undocumented foreign nationals may face prosecution if they are found to have contravened South African legislation.

The SAPS has reiterated that all immigration-related matters will continue to be addressed through lawful policing and due legal process, while investigations into the Reitz case remain ongoing.

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