DURBAN – A surprise raid led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and law enforcement officials on Friday morning has resulted in the arrest of 20 undocumented foreign nationals at a trucking company in Durban central.
The operation, triggered by complaints from South African truck drivers about unfair labour practices and safety concerns, targeted a depot allegedly known for employing foreign nationals without valid documentation.
Speaking on the scene, Premier Ntuli confirmed that two of the individuals arrested were managers at the depot, while others are facing additional criminal charges beyond immigration violations.
“Some of them you’ll find that they have criminal cases. Apart from going through the processes of deportation, they will have to face those charges first,” Ntuli said.
The Premier was accompanied by Brigadier Msimango during the raid, which reportedly caught the depot’s management off guard. Ntuli made it clear that accountability would extend to the top.
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“The owners were arrested immediately when we discovered that they have employed undocumented foreign nationals. The next is for yourself as the owner who has also employed them, to be also taken by the police to answer,” he added.
This latest raid follows the arrest of 135 undocumented migrants last week in similar operations in Hammarsdale and Chatsworth, as authorities ramp up enforcement against illegal employment practices in the trucking and logistics sector.
South African drivers have long raised concerns about job displacement and exploitative conditions linked to the employment of undocumented foreigners. Ntuli said his government is determined to act on those concerns decisively.
The investigation continues, with further arrests not ruled out.
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