Johannesburg – More than 600 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested in Mayfair, Johannesburg, during a joint law enforcement operation on Tuesday, 18 November. The operation saw 217 women and 413 men detained for violating South Africa’s Immigration Act.
Led by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs, the operation focused on addressing illegal immigration in the area. Mgcini Tshwaku, the member of the mayoral committee for public safety, confirmed that all detainees are being processed by home affairs officials in line with South African immigration laws.
Tshwaku expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, noting the importance of intelligence-driven interventions in tackling crime and illegal immigration. He also commended the collaboration between law enforcement agencies involved in the operation. 
“The operation highlights what can be achieved when agencies work together,” Tshwaku said. “We are committed to continuing these efforts to restore safety and order within our communities.”
Authorities have indicated that more operations will be conducted across Johannesburg, with a focus on cracking down on criminal syndicates suspected of facilitating human trafficking and illegal immigration in areas such as Mayfair.
