Undocumented foreigners nabbed in eThekwini shoe factory raid

Staff Reporter

eThekwini Municipality, working with the South African Police Service, carried out Operation Buyisa in Wentworth and Merebank on Friday, targeting illegal activities, environmental violations and threats to public safety, the city said in a statement.

The municipality said the operation formed part of efforts to restore “law, order, and compliance” in the two south Durban areas and underscored the city’s commitment to law enforcement and community well-being.

During the operation, authorities found 18 undocumented foreign nationals working at a shoe factory in Wentworth, according to the statement.

A further seven people were taken into custody by the Department of Home Affairs for verification and further processing.

The factory owner was charged under Section 49, Subsection 3 of the Immigration Act, while the premises was closed, the municipality said.

Councillor Tariq Mohamed thanked the agencies involved and said operations of this kind needed to continue.

“This initiative