KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has commended the police and the Department of Home Affairs for their efforts during a raid on a textile factory in KwaDukuza on the province’s north coast today. A number of individuals have been taken into custody, with some suspected to be undocumented foreign nationals.
The operation, part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration and labor violations, saw authorities verifying the documentation of employees at the factory. Premier Ntuli praised the coordinated efforts of law enforcement and Home Affairs, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling businesses that employ undocumented migrants and violate labor laws.
Government Vows Continued Crackdown
Speaking during the operation, Ntuli highlighted the progress made in deporting undocumented individuals and holding business owners accountable.
“This is evidence of the good work done by the police and Home Affairs,” said Ntuli. “We want to ensure that those who enter our country illegally understand that they will be caught. Business owners who employ them will also face consequences.”
The Premier confirmed that deportation processes were underway, with the national Department of Home Affairs procuring necessary travel documents to expedite removals. He also revealed that further raids were planned based on intelligence gathered.
Police Verify Arrests, More Operations Expected
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed that while the exact number of undocumented individuals arrested in today’s raid was still being verified, Home Affairs officials were processing suspects to determine the validity of their documents.
“This is not the first raid, and it won’t be the last,” said Mkhwanazi. “We are acting on information, including tips from the community, and we will continue targeting illegal operations across the province.”
The Commissioner also noted that police efforts extended beyond immigration enforcement, with ongoing investigations into high-profile crimes, including a recent cash-in-transit heist and the murder of a young girl.
Community Involvement Key to Success
Both Ntuli and Mkhwanazi stressed the importance of community cooperation in reporting illegal activities. The Premier encouraged residents to share information through trusted channels, assuring them that authorities would act on credible leads.
Today’s raid underscores the provincial government’s intensified efforts to combat illegal immigration and labor exploitation, with further operations expected in the coming weeks.
