A JOINT operation by South African officials last Friday netted 208 foreigners of which 176 were Zimbabweans.
The illegal immigrants who include Mozambicans and Indians were arrested in the Sekhukhune District of Limpopo Province.
In a statement, Limpopo Province Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba (pictured) said the Indians had been kept in custody awaiting deportation to their country.
“A joint operation executed by the South African Police Service in Limpopo province led to the arrest of 208 undocumented immigrants and recovery of suspected stolen properties at Marble Hall and Groblersdall policing area under Sekhukhune District,” Ledwaba said.
“The main objective of the operation that commenced in the evening on Thursday July 18, 2024, at Leeuwfontein and surrounding farms until the next day on Friday July 19, 2024 at about 11am was to rid the area of illegal activities.
“The Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals comprising adult and minor children were immediately deported to their respective policing borders after their arrests.”
He said the illegal immigrants faced charges of contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act.
“During the arrests, police seized a white Toyota Hilux pickup truck loaded with oranges suspected to have been stolen and was in the possession of two foreign male nationals,” Ledwaba said.
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One male suspect was apprehended for possession of a suspected stolen plasma smart television set found inside one of the rooms at a local farm.
South Africa has stepped up deportations of foreigners particularly Zimbabweans accused of taking jobs meant for people of that country.
But some farmers are indifferent about the development saying the deportations will affect production since most South Africans do not like menial work despite limited education.
An economist said the expulsion of the labourforce from South Africa might not show effects now, but has a long term impact on that country’s agricultural sector.
