17 undocumented workers arrested in raid on Kimberley business
Seventeen undocumented individuals were confirmed to be in the country illegally and were arrested. Picture: SAPS
OPERATION Vala Umgodi continues its crackdown on illegal mining and related criminal activities through crime-prevention operations, stop-and-search actions, and regular vehicle and foot patrols in the Northern Cape.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane reported that members of Operation Vala Umgodi, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, acted swiftly this week following a tip-off about undocumented individuals allegedly employed at a business in Kenilworth, Kimberley.
On December 3, officers arrived at the identified premises, where they found 17 individuals working without valid documentation. After verification by a Department of Home Affairs immigration officer, the suspects, aged between 24 and 48, were confirmed to be in the country illegally and were arrested.
The business owner was issued a fine for employing undocumented individuals. Sergeant Shemane reminded the public that harbouring undocumented persons is a criminal offence, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
He further encouraged the public to report such incidents through the MySAPS app or by calling Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
