Durban municipal authorities and law enforcement agencies launched a series of co-ordinated operations targeting illegal immigration, non-compliant businesses, and associated criminal activities within the city’s central business district.

These efforts come amid growing concerns over safety, disorder, and illegal activities that have plagued key areas of Durban.

On Monday, May 25, a high-impact joint operation involving Durban Metro Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, Municipal Business Support, the South African Police Service, and other government departments resulted in the arrest of 23 undocumented foreign nationals and the closure of five retail outlets operating without proper authorisation along Dr Pixley KaSeme and Anton Lembede Streets.

ALSO READ: Chats shoe factory owner and 35 illegal immigrants arrested

Metro Police spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu, highlighted that the operation was part of a broader, ongoing campaign to address concerns about illegal retail outlets, dirt and grime, prostitution, and the sale of illegal narcotics.

“We’ve heard and are responding to the community’s concerns about the mushrooming of illegal retail outlets and other illicit activities. This is a clear message that we are committed to creating a safer, cleaner, and more lawful environment for residents, visitors, and businesses,” Col Zungu said. During the operation, 32 individuals were detained for immigration status verification. After thorough checks, 23 foreign nationals, aged between 21 and 54, were confirmed to be unlawfully present in South Africa. These individuals, originating from Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, and China, were subsequently arrested under the Immigration Act. The authorities also closed five shops for failing to meet legal and regulatory standards.

Just days before the operation, eThekwini mayor, Cyril Xaba, issued an urgent appeal to the minister of Home Affairs to intervene in a growing crisis involving foreign nationals camping outside the Durban Department of Home Affairs office.

Many of these individuals have expressed reluctance to return to their residences due to safety concerns related to anti- illegal immigration organisations.

Mayor Xaba emphasised that the municipality lacks the facilities to accommodate these individuals and cannot allow them to remain on the streets without access to basic necessities.

ALSO READ: Metro Police tackle illegal immigration and compliance issues during operation

“The safety of these foreign nationals, as well as the wider community, is our top priority. We are prepared to support their safe and orderly relocation to designated refugee centres or suitable temporary facilities identified by the minister. We call on the national government to urgently facilitate this process,” said the mayor.

He further stressed the importance of tightening controls at immigration offices to prevent fraud and ensure permits are issued fairly to deserving asylum seekers.

“Proper management of immigration permits is essential to maintaining the integrity of our systems and safeguarding our community,” he concluded.