The Star News

Factory owner and 15 undocumented workers arrested during major operation in Durban

Xolile Mtembu|Published

Police crackdown: 15 undocumented foreign nationals and a factory owner have been arrested in Durban.

Image: SAPS

Police have arrested 15 undocumented foreign nationals and a factory owner during a multi-agency compliance operation in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal.

Five factories were inspected, and one was found to have unlawfully employed individuals.

The operation, conducted on Wednesday, involved police working alongside inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour and immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

"After verification by Home Affairs, all 15 foreign nationals were found to be in the country illegally, and they were duly arrested," said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

The employer was also taken into custody for contravening immigration and labour laws.

The alleged perpetrators were arrested during an SAPS compliance operation.

Image: SAPS

Netshiunda said the operation formed part of ongoing enforcement efforts targeting non-compliant businesses.

"The operation was a continuation of operations which are aimed at stamping the authority of the state by ensuring that there is no lawlessness in the business sector which directly or indirectly compromises the livelihood of South Africans," he said.

He added that similar inspections would continue across the province. 

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