In a viral social media video, the owner of Jolly Meats Butchery in Claire Estate is seen engaging with members of the Labour Law Enforcement (LLE) movement during their protest on Tuesday, against businesses that employ illegal foreigners.

In the footage, the butchery owner can be heard explaining that “only six foreigners work in the premises, and the company has been slowly phasing foreign employees out.”

LLE argues that “Either the foreigners are documented or not, they should not be employed unless they possess scarce skills, and the company should get rid of foreign employees.”

LLE Spokesperson, Mthobisi Shinga shared in a statement, “LLE confirms that the owner of Jolly Meats was arrested together with five foreign nationals who were allegedly employed without the required legal documentation during a joint law enforcement operation.

“LLE was at Sydenham Police Station after receiving information that the business owner was subsequently released after reportedly paying a fine. We are seeking official clarification from the relevant authorities on the legal basis for this outcome to ensure that the law has been applied fairly and consistently.”

He concluded, “No employer should evade accountability where there is evidence of non-compliance, and no person should receive preferential treatment. The law must protect workers, uphold justice, and apply equally to all.”

Ethekwini District SAPS spokesperson, Captain Carmen Rhynes, shared, “The South African Police Service (SAPS) can confirm that a businessman was arrested on Tuesday at approximately 11:00 at a business premises in Clare Estate following an investigation arising from complaints received after recent protest action.

“The arrest followed allegations that the businessman was employing undocumented foreign nationals. A case of employing an illegal foreign national was registered at Sydenham SAPS, where the matter is currently under investigation.”

“During the operation, three foreign nationals were found on the premises and were unable to produce valid passports, asylum seeker permits or any other documentation authorising their stay in the Republic of South Africa. They were subsequently arrested and charged for being in the country unlawfully.

Also read: Undocumented business owner arrested in Glenwood

Rhynes added, “The businessman was charged with employing an illegal foreign national and was released on a J534 warning. (A written Notice to Appear in Court in terms of section 56 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 51 of 1977) The matter will proceed through the normal court process.”

Al Jama-ah party has condemned the recent protests. “We reject any unlawful actions such as the recent acts of vigilantism or collective punishment by intimidation, extortion and forced closures of shops owned by South African Muslims for employing foreign nationals. Whilst law enforcement belongs to the state, we question the behaviour of the lawmakers involved in the unjustified arrests said Al Jama-ah’s leader, Ganief Hendricks.

Also read: Labour, immigration law violators face stiff penalties, warns CPF

SAPS encourages members of the public to note:
It is important to note that while members of the public have the right to raise concerns and engage in peaceful, lawful protest, no person may enter private property without the permission of the owner or lawful authority.

Anyone who suspects contraventions of immigration or labour legislation to report such information by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by reporting the matter at their nearest police station.

Information received will be assessed and, where necessary, investigated in conjunction with relevant government departments, including the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Employment and Labour.

Enforcement actions on private property are the responsibility of authorised law enforcement officials acting within the scope of the law.

Should a property owner experience unlawful entry, intimidation or any criminal conduct, they are advised to contact SAPS immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.

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