FIFTY NINE Tanzanian immigrants, most of whom were illegally in the country, were arrested in a joint operation with Umbilo SAPS and Metro Police on Friday morning.
Lieutenant Pumzile Makaula, communications officer at Umbilo SAPS said, “It is alleged that the immigrants reside on the Southern Freeway, under Dalbridge. Umbilo police are investigating cases of illegal immigration.”
Meanwhile a Metro Police officer who spoke to Berea Mail on condition of anonymity said the operation was held because police had been inundated with complaints of increased robberies, where passengers were robbed boarding or getting off trains. “We try to do these operations weekly with resources and time permitting them. We found many of those arrested with small plastic packets, and dates and glucose on them and this is indicative that many are stowaways. After interviewing some they have admitted to living in crevices on ships for up to three months with hopes of eventually going to the UK.
“In our next operation we hope to bring DSW on board as there were more than 100 immigrants and many hide all around the Dalbridge area which needs to be thoroughly cleaned up so they cannot hide,” he said.
