Home Affairs launches Operation New Broom to tackle illegal immigration

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has launched a new technology-driven initiative to arrest, convict and deport illegal immigrants occupying public spaces. 

Operation New Broom, launched on Wednesday, uses biometric technology to verify suspects’ immigration status, eliminating the risk of fraudulent documents and building stronger legal cases. 

Ongoing nationwide campaign

Schreiber said the first operation of what will be an ongoing nationwide campaign took place in District 6 in Cape Town.

During the operation, 25 suspects were arrested for occupying land meant for restitution to the victims of forced removals.

The initiative, Schreiber said, tackles an old issue with new energy and technology in urban areas across the country.

“As with everything else we do, Operation New Broom is guided by our commitment to the rule of law.

“It is this commitment that both motivates us to do more to combat illegality, and to uphold due process and legal compliance in the process,” Schreiber said.

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Deport yourself

“The benefits of our commitment to digital transformation are being felt across all areas of Home Affairs’ mandate, including through the strides made by the Border Management Authority at the borders and by Home Affairs inland,” he added.

Schreiber said through this initiative, the department is sending a clear message to anyone who is residing in South Africa illegally: “Voluntarily deport yourself now, before we arrest and prohibit you from entering or obtaining legal status in South Africa in future.”

New surveillance technology

In April, the department unveiled the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) new range of surveillance technology to enhance security.

This included 40 body-worn cameras and a set of drones to monitor border operations.

The cameras were deployed at BMA offices, OR Tambo International Airport, and the Ficksburg and Maseru border posts to allow control room observers to view live footage from the BMA officers.

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