Douglasdale police have intensified their efforts to curb immigration-related offences, leading to several arrests during a series of operations conducted this week.

Douglasdale Police Station commander Brigadier Veeshani Arikum said the station embarked on a clampdown targeting undocumented immigrants, resulting in multiple arrests linked to immigration violations, fraud, and other crimes.

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“During an operation on July 16, a Chinese national was arrested for illegal gambling. During the investigation, and with confirmation from home affairs, it was revealed that the individual had obtained a falsified visa to be in the country.”

She added that another suspect was arrested for dealing in liquor without a licence. “He was found to have a visitor permit. He was given a five-year endorsement on his passport and may not enter South Africa for the next five years.”

On July 17, Douglasdale police also conducted a joint operation with the department of home affairs. “Three individuals were arrested and charged under the Immigration Act, as well as fraud, for obtaining false work permits.”

She urged employers to ensure they comply with immigration laws.

“The public has been made aware that you may not employ a person who has a visitor permit. Individuals and businesses who are unsure of the validity of work permits can visit home affairs to verify such permits.”

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Arikum added that in other crime related successes, Douglasdale police also recorded successes in cases involving assault, theft, illegal gambling, and drinking and driving. Arikum, however, did state that it was not only illegal immigrants responsible for these crimes.

“Crime is crime and is not limited to nationality. I think that is common sense to everyone, I mean even other locals commit crime.”

The latest arrests follow another busy week for the station, during which officers participated in the March and March initiative. About 40 people marched peacefully from Kya Sands informal settlement to Malibongwe Drive and back, with no incidents of intimidation reported.

In another incident, in the early hours, during patrols, officers stopped a vehicle and discovered two kidnapping victims inside.

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“Further investigation found that the two victims had been kidnapped and held against their will.

The victims were robbed at their home in Rustenburg. Three suspects were arrested and detained and appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court. The victims were not injured.”

On the same day, police also arrested two foreign nationals after allegedly finding counterfeit money worth more than $1m, as well as fraudulent passports in their possession.

“Both suspects appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.”

Arikum added that other recent crime related successes included arrests for fraud, assault, shoplifting, and bilking, with all suspects having appeared in court.

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