A major crackdown in KwaZulu-Natal has led to the arrest of 15 undocumented foreign nationals and a factory owner accused of employing them illegally.
The arrests were made during a joint operation in Chatsworth involving police, the Department of Employment and Labour, and immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs.
Authorities conducted compliance inspections at five factories. One factory was found to be employing 15 foreign nationals without legal documentation.
After verification by Home Affairs, all 15 individuals were confirmed to be in the country illegally and were immediately arrested. The factory owner was also taken into custody for violating immigration and labour laws.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the operation forms part of an ongoing campaign to restore order and enforce compliance in the business sector.
He warned that businesses operating outside the law will face serious consequences, especially where illegal employment practices threaten opportunities for South Africans.
Police confirmed that similar operations are continuing across KwaZulu-Natal as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal employment and reinforce the authority of the state.