KEY POINTS
- Authorities arrested 56 people in a Tshwane illegal immigration crackdown.
- Several businesses were shut down for health and compliance violations.
- Law enforcement seized liquor, impounded taxis, and conducted widespread searches.
During a multi-agency sweep in Tshwane, authorities detained 56 unauthorized immigrants and three others who were allegedly housing and hiring them.
Authorities arrest 56 people in Tshwane illegal immigration crackdown
Twenty-one Malawians, sixteen Zimbabweans, nine Mozambicans, five Ethiopians, five Ugandans, four Nigerians, and one Senegalese were among those detained.
In an attempt to increase public safety, Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya stated the operation focused on crime-ridden neighborhoods like Sunnyside, Pretoria West, and Pretoria Central.
Moya expressed gratitude to the provincial government for helping the city fight crime in Pretoria’s central business district. “This operation demonstrated how law enforcement can be strengthened through intergovernmental partnerships.”
Several other law enforcement measures were the outcome of the operation, which was conducted in cooperation with the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department and the Gauteng Traffic Police.
Twenty health compliance notices totaling R133,000 in fines were issued by officials under Section 56. Businesses were also cited by authorities for not registering used items, keeping accurate records, or providing building plans.
A takeaway restaurant and a bet-exchange establishment at the intersection of Robert Sobukwe and Troye streets were closed due to their noncompliance with health regulations. In addition, officials seized 11 cabs and 26 perishable items for breaking the 2009 National Land Transport Act.
Officials seize liquor and impound taxis in compliance sweep
According to Iol, officials conducted 109 vehicle and 456 person searches as part of the operation. They examined 44 street vendors, 34 establishments, 24 spaza shops, two stores selling used products, and one liquor store that was closed in addition to testing 29 cars.
Additionally, 108,560 milliliters of alcohol were seized by law police and transferred to Pretoria West SAPS.
A Tshwane Metro Police officer helped a pregnant mother give birth to a healthy child during the crackdown, offering some respite in the midst of an otherwise stressful operation.
