A joint operation on four Leeuwfontein properties results in the hospitalisation of Sekhukhune District movement leader Simon Kgagara.

The operation, conducted on Friday, September 11, targeted four farms allegedly employing undocumented foreign nationals.

According to Kgagara, the campaign involved members of the police and immigration authorities and expressed concern over farmers who, allegedly, continue to employ and accommodate undocumented foreign nationals on their properties.

Leader suffers injuries in pursuit

“As we were chasing one of the foreign nationals, I engaged in a squabble with him and I fell to the ground after he pushed me. That is how I got injured,” he said.

Kgagara alleged that the man fled onto one of the farms before police were alerted and arrested him.

“We have over 800 farms within Ephraim Mogale and Elias Motsoaledi local municipalities and we are planning on visiting all of them.” “We cannot be deterred by the actions of some,” he said.

Vows more farm visits

Kgagara sustained injuries to his arm and abdomen during the incident.

His condition worsened the following day, and he was admitted to Glen Cowie Hospital on Saturday morning, September 12.

He was discharged later that afternoon and is continuing to recover.

The campaign leaders have vowed to continue with operations targeting undocumented foreign nationals working on farms in the area.

Hundreds of foreigners arrested

Limpopo SAPS declined to confirm whether 80 foreign nationals were arrested during the farm operation under Operation Shanela.

“We will be issuing a media statement in due course,” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba told the Observer.

In a subsequent statement, SAPS said more than 200 foreign nationals had been arrested, without specifying how many were farm workers or dwellers.