Over 12 000 undocumented foreign nationals arrested in 3 weeks in South Africa. National Police say an additional 3,113 undocumented foreign nationals have been taken into custody this past week in the country, as law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts aimed at addressing illegal immigration and combating serious and violent crime.

Over 12 000 undocumented foreign nationals arrested in 3 weeks in South Africa

Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Van Wyk says the latest arrests take the total number of foreigners arrested to 12,009 in the last three weeks. The South African Police Service is working with the Department of Home Affairs, the South African National Defence Force and other law enforcement partners to address the issue of illegal immigration as well as to combat serious and violent crime.

Foreign national caught with 379.3 kilograms of cannabis

Van Wyk says among the arrests is a 37-year-old foreign national, who was allegedly transporting 379.3 kilograms of cannabis. This dagga is valued at more than R7.58 million. It was confiscated during an operation conducted at the Weigh Bridge on the N1 in Colesberg (on 22 July).

More foreigners nabbed for serious crimes

At the same time, 2 SANDF members died while falling into a vertical shaft during an underground operation targeting illegal mining activities. Another high-profile case is the 3 foreign nationals accused of the murder of 13 people and the attempted murder of 14 others. They have abandoned their bail application and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

South African detained for transporting 11 undocumented foreign nationals

Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Van Wyk says another recent arrest was a Zimbabwean national who was detained in Mokopane, Limpopo. He allegedly had cannabis and 48 bottles of Benylin cough syrup in his possession. She says a South African national, Doit Ndlovu, is also behind bars. He was taken into custody at Gobblersbridge for allegedly transporting 11 undocumented foreign nationals.