People dissatisfied with Operation Fiela

eMBALENHLE – Operation Fialea resulted in arguments and dissatisfaction from various civil societies.

Organisations and residents have questioned the operation, saying it was directed at foreign nationals and only those in the townships.

This came after a large number of SANDF members surrounded Mandela Section while various police divisions were searching houses and raiding foreign nationals’ shops.

The occupants had to produce their identity documents.

All foreign nationals without permits and passports were arrested and about 55 illegal immigrants were arrested on Friday, 8 May.

Many of those who were arrested were alleged illegal miners.

When the police were raiding foreign nationals’ shops, they confiscated illegal cigarettes, SIM cards and fireworks.

Mr Nono Maseko, Chairman of the African Dialogue, said he does not have a problem with the police doing their job, but he has a problem when Africans are being despised and abused.

He said this operation is only targeting black foreign nationals in townships.

“Don’t we have Asian foreign nationals in the country?

“There are many Chinese shops in the area, do you want to tell me that they are all legal and selling legal goods?

“What about the other foreign national shops in Secunda, Trichardt and Evender?

“The government must go back to the table and review this operation,” said Mr Maseko.

He also said the operation is short sighted as it only targets people on the ground.

“Do the police investigate from where the illegal cigarettes and SIM cards come from?

“I doubt they are made in Africa.

“Will a black man always be regarded as a thug?

“God bless Africa,” said the emotional Mr Maseko.

Col Leonard Hlathi, Provincial Police Spokesman, said Operation Fiela is targeting every person committing crime regardless of colour or race.

He said it is aimed at reducing all forms of crime in the community and disputed that only shops belonging to black Africans were raided.

“We raid all shops, including ones belonging to South Africans.

“It is unfortunate that people feel that they are targeted, but it is our duty to make sure that the law is enforced.”