300 undocumented migrants and factory boss arrested in KwaDukuza
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said the factory owner will be charged for contravening labour laws.
A major factory raid in KwaDukuza last week led to the arrest of 300 undocumented migrants and their employer, amid growing national concern over illegal hiring.
The raid, part of Operation Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla spearheaded by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, is the latest in a series of crackdowns targeting businesses that employ undocumented foreign nationals in violation of South African labour laws.
Premier Ntuli confirmed that the arrested individuals will face deportation, while the factory owner will be charged for contravening labour laws, which prohibit the employment of undocumented migrants. He warned that authorities are acting on community tip-offs and will continue targeting non-compliant businesses across the province.
“Employers who exploit undocumented workers not only break the law but also take away job opportunities from locals by choosing cheap labour,” said Ntuli.
“We have a list of other businesses, and we are coming for them. If you choose to hire undocumented immigrants, you will be arrested,” he warned.
This raid follows a similar operation in Upper Tongaat last month, where 11 undocumented immigrants were arrested on a farm. That raid was led by Ndwedwe mayor Samuel Mfeka, in partnership with Umhlali Saps, Home Affairs and the Department of Employment and Labour.
In April, 64 undocumented workers were detained during a raid in Isithebe, near Mandeni, led by deputy labour minister Jomo Sibiya.
In Driefontein, residents led by Economic Freedom Fighters PR councillor Nkosi Mbokazi submitted a memorandum to Umhlali Police on Friday, calling for assistance in addressing the employment of undocumented migrants on nearby farms.
“We are ready to work with authorities and point out the farms hiring illegal foreigners. Many residents here have lost their jobs because employers prefer to hire undocumented immigrants,” claimed Mbokazi.
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