Police arrest 12 immigrants and shut down four warehouses
Two business owners were also fined for contravening the Immigration Act.
A recent multidisciplinary law enforcement operation in Pretoria West led to the detention of 12 undocumented immigrants and the closure of four warehouses.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Priority Committee on Foodborne Illness and Illicit Trade led the effort on May 15.
The team also comprised members of the SAPS, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, labour inspectors, municipal health inspectors, Tshwane Emergency Management Services, and Crime Prevention Wardens.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said that the stakeholders’ efforts continue to make significant strides in protecting the people of South Africa by preventing and combating the trade in illicit and expired consumable goods.
“The operation led to the arrest of 12 suspects for contravention of the Immigration Act. Two business owners were fined for employing these undocumented foreign nationals. Fines and notices were also issued for non-compliance with health and safety regulations. Ultimately, the team closed down four warehouses and seized a large consignment of illicit goods and expired consumables,” Van Wyk said.
He said that this is part of ongoing multi-disciplinary law enforcement operations that continue to take place on a daily basis across the country.
SAPS encourages all community members to form part of the fight against foodborne illness and illicit trade by reporting suspected non-compliance to relevant authorities.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
