A total of 95 illegal immigrants were detained at the Plastic View informal settlement in the east of Pretoria during a large-scale operation led by the Department of Home Affairs in partnership with various law enforcement agencies.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that the arrests took place early on Friday morning at about 03:00.

The operation, which targeted the sprawling Plastic View squatter camp, forms part of the newly launched initiative dubbed “Operation New Broom”.

This technology-driven campaign aims to identify, arrest, convict, and deport undocumented foreign nationals occupying public spaces unlawfully.

Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber confirmed that Operation New Broom was in full swing at the Plastic View informal settlement, where nearby residents have long called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

“The arrests are ongoing in this operation, which marks a significant step toward restoring the rule of law,” said Schreiber.

Schreiber described the involvement of law enforcement agencies critical, as Home Affairs officials are unarmed and depend heavily on police support for such operations.

Describing the initiative as a fresh approach to a longstanding issue, Schreiber said, “Operation New Broom addresses an old problem with renewed energy and advanced technology, particularly in urban areas across the country”.

He said in Plastic View, biometric technology was used to verify the immigration status of individuals on the spot.

“This method allows officials to detect fraudulent documents and build stronger legal cases for prosecution and deportation,” he said.

“Our goal with this operation is clear to arrest, convict, and deport illegal immigrants occupying public spaces,” he stated.

Schreiber emphasised that the initiative is rooted in a firm commitment to the rule of law. “This principle drives us to not only act decisively against illegal activity but also ensure that every step we take upholds due process and legal standards,” he said.

He added that the benefits of the department’s digital transformation efforts are becoming evident across all its functions.

“Our message to those residing in the country illegally is simple: voluntarily leave now or face arrest and future bans from entering or gaining legal status in South Africa,” Schreiber warned.

The DA in Tshwane welcomed the arrests.

DA caucus leader Cilliers Brink said they now call on Tshwane to remove illegal structures of the arrested culprits to avoid reoccupation.

“The DA in the Tshwane metro welcomes the immigration enforcement operation conducted by the Department of Home Affairs in Plastic View this morning.”

Brink said immigration authorities arrested several Plastic View residents for deportation, and it is now up to the Tshwane metro to remove unoccupied illegal structures.

“If the metro fails to take this step, the land will simply be occupied once again.”

Brink said he met with Schreiber last year, and committed to work with Tshwane to ensure that immigration laws are enforced.

“The non-enforcement of these laws over many years has placed a considerable burden on local authorities, especially when land is unlawfully occupied by undocumented foreign nationals.”

Brink expressed his gratitude to Minister Schreiber for his drive to enforce South Africa’s immigration laws, and call on Tshwane to finish the work to deter reoccupation.

Since early this morning, 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 has been out in force in Pretoria East, where residents have long pleaded for immigration law enforcement in Plastic View and Cemetery View. Arrests continue in this ongoing operation. Rebuilding the rule of law! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/nrHgMFPcfD

— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) May 23, 2025

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