KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested fifteen undocumented foreign nationals and a factory owner following a joint compliance operation in Chatsworth on Wednesday, 18 March.
The operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), was carried out in collaboration with inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour, as well as immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs. Authorities conducted inspections at five factories in the area as part of ongoing efforts to address the illegal employment of undocumented workers.
During the inspections, one factory was found to be employing 15 foreign nationals without valid documentation. After verification by Home Affairs officials, all 15 individuals were confirmed to be in the country unlawfully and were subsequently arrested. The factory owner was also taken into custody for employing undocumented foreign nationals.
According to the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, the operation forms part of a broader campaign to enforce compliance with labour and immigration laws, and to uphold the rule of law within the business sector.
“These operations are aimed at ensuring that there is no lawlessness in the business environment, particularly where it undermines the livelihoods of South Africans,” the statement said.
Authorities have confirmed that similar inspections and enforcement operations will continue in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or unlawful business practices to local authorities as efforts to ensure fair and lawful employment continue across the province.
