The City has confirmed the arrest of 47 undocumented foreign nationals during a series of law enforcement operations carried out across the metro between February 9 and 15.

According to a statement released by the City, the arrests were made by officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s (EMPD) Specialised Services units. The individuals, aged between 24 and 72, are from various African countries.

The City stated that the operations were conducted in identified hotspot areas as part of ongoing efforts to address the growing number of undocumented individuals within Ekurhuleni.

ALSO READ: EMPD enforces scholar transport compliance

“All suspects were unable to produce valid passports or identification documents and were immediately detained,” the statement read. Immigration authorities have been notified to verify the legal status of those arrested.

The suspects are facing charges under the Immigration Act and are expected to appear in their respective magistrates’ courts.

The City added that law enforcement operations will continue in an effort to ensure compliance with immigration and related legislation.