During daily operations the non-citizens were arrested by police officials patrolling different areas in eMalahleni. The immigrants caught could not present police with valid passports and were taken to the station.
“We are in no way targeting illegal immigrants,” Sergeant David Ratau, spokesperson for the Witbank SAPS, said on Monday January 19. He explained that the purpose of the police’s daily operations and patrols throughout the city is to prevent crimes.
“During previous patrols where we stopped and searched people, we discovered drugs, stolen items and even weapons such as unlicensed firearms,” explained Ratau, saying that it is necessary to continue weekly operations.
“The immigrants arrested during the past week were brought to the station and given the opportunity to make a call and get their papers. Without legal passports they will be deported.”
All of the illegal immigrants brought into the station were young (none over 30), with the youngest being only 16 years of age.
Police explained that it is often found that immigrants from poor disadvantaged neighbouring countries move to towns and cities near mines or places where they would consider to have plenty of job opportunities.
It is estimated that South Africa harbours at least 5-million illegal immigrants. Attacks on foreign nationals are also a common concern for police.
Police warn residents not to take the law into their own hands, but help the SAPS instead.
