The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to intensify its nationwide crime prevention and law enforcement operations aimed at addressing illegal immigration and related criminality through Operation Shanela.
Police remain committed to enforcing the laws of the Republic without fear or favour while ensuring that all operations are conducted within the confines of the Constitution and applicable legislation.
As part of ongoing high-density operations conducted across all provinces, a total of 1 891 illegal foreigners were arrested during the past week alone for contravention of the Immigration Act.
These arrests form part of SAPS’ broader efforts to combat crime, maintain law and order and address challenges associated with undocumented persons operating unlawfully within communities.
Since 01 January 2026 until 17 May 2026, SAPS has arrested a total of 29 371 illegal foreigners during various intelligence-driven operations, tracing operations, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and multi-disciplinary law enforcement initiatives.
Furthermore, between 01 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, more than 76 588 illegal foreigners were arrested countrywide.
Operation Shanela remains one of the organisation’s key crime combating initiatives and continues to yield positive results in the fight against serious and violent crime, including the apprehension of wanted suspects, recovery of unlicensed firearms, confiscation of drugs and the arrest of undocumented persons.
The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has reiterated that police will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those found to be in the country illegally are processed in accordance with the law.
SAPS further calls on communities to work together with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities and avoiding acts of vigilantism, intimidation or violence against foreign nationals.
Police remain committed to maintaining peace, stability and the rule of law in all communities.
Article from SAPS
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