South Africa arrests 159 illegal foreign nationals as police intensified their nationwide crackdown on crime and undocumented migration through Operation Shanela, resulting in the arrest of more than 1,200 suspects in Gauteng.

The latest operation forms part of the South African government’s ongoing efforts to combat crime, enforce immigration laws and restore public confidence following weeks of anti-illegal immigration protests across several parts of the country.

Authorities confirmed that among those arrested were 159 undocumented foreign nationals accused of contravening the Immigration Act, alongside hundreds of wanted suspects, motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and individuals linked to other criminal offences.

The arrests come amid increasing political and public pressure on government to strengthen border security and improve immigration management following recent demonstrations calling for decisive action against undocumented migrants.

South Africa illegal immigrants targeted in Operation Shanela

The South Africa illegal immigrants crackdown was carried out under the multi-agency Operation Shanela arrests initiative, which involved members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs and several other law enforcement agencies.

According to government, the coordinated operation aimed to reduce crime while enforcing immigration legislation across Gauteng Province.

Officials said the arrests included:

• 159 undocumented foreign nationals
• 751 wanted suspects
• 157 motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol
• 135 suspects linked to crimes against women and children

Government stated that the operation demonstrates its commitment to addressing both criminal activity and unlawful immigration while ensuring that all enforcement actions comply with South African law.

The authorities have not disclosed the nationalities of the undocumented foreign nationals arrested nor provided details regarding their individual immigration proceedings.

Gauteng police operation nets over 1,200 suspects

The Gauteng police operation was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, who oversaw widespread law enforcement activities throughout the province.

Police also reported several additional arrests during the operation.

Among the cases highlighted were:

• Three suspects found in possession of a hijacked motor vehicle reported stolen in June 2026.
• Six suspects arrested for possession of illegal drugs.
• Four suspects arrested for allegedly trading liquor without valid licences.
• Twelve undocumented foreign nationals arrested during one of the operation’s local enforcement actions.

Investigators also recovered stolen property linked to ongoing criminal investigations.

Police described the operation as part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting organised criminal activities while strengthening public safety.

Government continues South Africa immigration crackdown

The latest arrests form part of the broader South Africa immigration crackdown announced by government following nationwide concerns over illegal immigration.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently said government intends to strengthen immigration enforcement through several measures, including:

• Identifying undocumented migrants.
• Deporting individuals found to be in the country illegally.
• Establishing specialised immigration courts.
• Improving immigration management systems.

Government has repeatedly stated that undocumented migration remains one of the country’s major governance challenges and requires stronger enforcement mechanisms alongside legal immigration reforms.

Officials insist that these measures are intended to improve immigration administration while protecting South Africa’s borders and maintaining public safety.

Undocumented foreign nationals remain focus of enforcement

The arrest of undocumented foreign nationals follows weeks of intensified enforcement efforts across South Africa.

Government previously announced that more than 53,000 foreign nationals had already been deported or voluntarily repatriated since launching its migration management campaign approximately five weeks earlier.

The Department of Home Affairs has also intensified investigations into identity documents suspected of having been fraudulently obtained.

Authorities recently blocked numerous South African identity documents pending investigations into:

• The legal status of document holders.
• Possible identity fraud.
• Citizenship verification.
• Compliance with immigration legislation.

Officials warned that individuals who fail to cooperate with investigations could face permanent cancellation of their identity documents if irregularities are confirmed.

Government maintains that these investigations are necessary to preserve the integrity of South Africa’s national population register.

Anti-immigration protests increase pressure on authorities

The arrests come shortly after weeks of anti-illegal immigration protests that took place in several provinces.

The demonstrations, organised by various groups, called for stricter immigration controls and stronger enforcement against undocumented migrants.

In some areas, protests resulted in incidents of violence, intimidation and looting, prompting police to deploy additional resources to maintain public order.

Government has condemned acts of xenophobic violence while emphasising that immigration enforcement must occur within the framework of the law.

Officials have repeatedly urged communities not to take the law into their own hands, stressing that law enforcement agencies remain responsible for immigration enforcement.

Nigeria and Ghana condemn attacks

The recent anti-immigration demonstrations have also attracted international attention.

The governments of Nigeria and Ghana have publicly condemned attacks targeting African nationals living in South Africa.

Presidents Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and John Mahama of Ghana reportedly raised concerns during the 69th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The two leaders called for greater unity among African countries while urging governments to address migration issues without violence against foreign nationals.

Several African countries have also facilitated voluntary repatriation programmes for citizens wishing to leave South Africa following the unrest.

Balancing immigration enforcement and public safety

While government continues to tighten immigration enforcement, officials have emphasised that lawful migrants should not be subjected to intimidation or discrimination.

The Department of Home Affairs says enforcement efforts are specifically directed at individuals found to be violating immigration laws rather than legally documented foreign nationals.

Government also reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue conducting intelligence-driven operations targeting criminal activity regardless of nationality.

Police believe integrated operations involving immigration officials, traffic officers and detectives remain one of the most effective methods of reducing crime while ensuring compliance with South African legislation.

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Future immigration reforms expected

Government is expected to continue implementing additional immigration reforms over the coming months.

Among the proposals under consideration are improved border management systems, faster immigration court processes and stronger coordination between Home Affairs and law enforcement agencies.

Officials argue that improved immigration administration will help reduce illegal migration while ensuring that legal immigration channels remain efficient.

Meanwhile, Operation Shanela is expected to continue across different provinces as authorities intensify efforts to arrest wanted suspects, recover stolen property and identify undocumented foreign nationals.

As immigration remains a major political and social issue in South Africa, government faces the challenge of balancing effective law enforcement with the protection of constitutional rights, while addressing public concerns over border security, crime and economic pressures.