POLOKWANE – Seven foreign nationals were apprehended in the CBD recently after citizen delivery drivers pointed out suspected operators working without valid documents, escalating tension in the city’s bike and food delivery industry.

The operation was carried out by police following a tip-off from Polokwane Delivery Drivers and political party Defenders of the People. The group had identified spots in the central business district where they alleged foreign nationals were operating without valid driver’s licences, work permits or identification.

What police found

Of the seven detained, police confirmed that:

• One had an expired passport dating from 2024 but was still working
• Four had no work permits
• One had no driver’s licence
• One was in the country illegally after his permit expired

The remaining person was arrested on other charges. The others were released on warning and instructed to stop working.

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Tensions escalate after June 30 deadline

The confrontation comes amid heightened action following the June 30 national deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

The deadline has triggered a series of smaller demonstrations across the country, including in the delivery sector in Polokwane. The party March and March has led similar operations nationally.

Polokwane Delivery Drivers said the operation was necessary after months of unanswered letters to restaurant and food delivery outlet owners about what they called the use of fake accounts.

“How do they still have delivery accounts when it is known that you are not authorised to operate without permits?” organisation chairperson Ralph Ramello said.

The group said the foreign nationals were identified while collecting orders at restaurants.

Recordings of altercations

Polokwane Observer received recordings of verbal altercations between citizen drivers and foreign nationals this week. In the recordings, foreign nationals accused the group of victimisation, while the group demanded that they work with valid papers and follow the law.

The organisation has asked the Department of Home Affairs to assist in verifying documents, alleging that some papers presented appeared to be fake, but acknowledging that it does not have the authority to determine their validity.

A delivery driver’s plea

A 29-year-old undocumented delivery driver from Zimbabwe, who asked not to be named for fear of arrest, said many foreign riders took the work because it was the only option after permits expired and renewal processes stalled.

“We are not here to fight anyone. We deliver food because we need to eat and send money home. If Home Affairs can help us regularise, we will do the right papers. But right now, if we stop, we have nothing,” he said.

Home Affairs yet to respond

Home Affairs had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Police said investigations were ongoing, while Ramello said operations targeting illegal employment in the delivery sector would continue.