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South African police arrested 356 suspects during a two-day Operation Shanela security operation in Mamelodi and Boschkop, Tshwane District.
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The arrests included 29 undocumented foreign nationals, who were detained and handed over to immigration officials for further investigation.
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Another 327 suspects were arrested for various offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault and gender-based violence-related crimes.
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The operation comes amid heightened immigration enforcement and renewed xenophobic tensions, with Nigeria and Ghana condemning attacks against African migrants in South Africa.
November 3, (THEWILL) – South African authorities have detained 29 undocumented foreign nationals and arrested 327 other suspects during a fresh security crackdown in Tshwane District, as the government intensifies efforts to enforce immigration laws and tackle criminal activities across the country.
THEWILL reports that the arrests were made during a two-day operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Mamelodi and Boschkop policing precincts over the weekend.
The police disclosed on Monday that a total of 356 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela, a multidisciplinary security exercise targeting wanted criminals, serious and violent offences, illegal immigration, drug-related activities and violations of liquor regulations.
The 29 undocumented foreign nationals were detained and subsequently handed over to immigration officials for further investigation and processing.
The remaining 327 arrests included 254 wanted suspects apprehended through targeted tracing operations, alongside other suspects arrested during roadblocks, patrols and stop-and-search exercises.
According to the police, the operation began on Friday evening, October 30, and continued on Saturday, October 31, with the participation of various SAPS units and partner law enforcement agencies.
Police spokesperson, Captain Johan van Dyk, said the operation was conducted to apprehend wanted suspects, address serious and violent crime, curb illegal immigration, disrupt drug-related activities and ensure compliance with liquor regulations. He said the exercise also targeted other criminal activities contributing to lawlessness in the affected communities.
Wanted Suspects, Violent Crimes
The police said 254 wanted suspects were arrested during the operation, including three people wanted for murder, six for attempted murder, 33 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and five for rape.
Another 91 suspects were arrested in connection with gender-based violence-related offences.
The authorities said the arrests followed targeted tracing activities by detectives who began searching for individuals wanted in connection with various criminal offences on Friday evening.
The operation also involved the Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and Community Policing Forums, alongside several police units.
During the exercise, six motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 11 people were apprehended for drinking in public. One person was also arrested for possession of drugs after police discovered a ziplock bag containing a Mandrax tablet.
Police officers searched 420 people and 69 vehicles as part of the operation. Law enforcement teams also inspected 13 liquor establishments, with four closed and fined for non-compliance with the Liquor Act. The police further confiscated 351 bottles of 410ml alcoholic beverages and a gambling machine.
Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, commended police personnel and participating law enforcement agencies for their commitment to fighting crime.
South Africa Intensifies Immigration Enforcement
The latest arrests come amid an intensified nationwide campaign by South African authorities to apprehend undocumented foreign nationals, strengthen border security and enforce immigration regulations.
Operation Shanela, one of the country’s major crime-fighting initiatives, involves intelligence-led deployments targeting wanted suspects, organised crime, illegal firearms, drug trafficking and undocumented migration.
South African authorities disclosed in August that 59,947 undocumented foreign nationals had been arrested between January and July 2026 through Operation Shanela and related multidisciplinary operations.
The government said more than 16,208 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested in July alone. It also reported that 77,184 undocumented foreign nationals had been repatriated to their respective countries as of August 3, while 18,816 people were formally deported between April 1 and July 31.
Another 3,016 undocumented foreign nationals were awaiting deportation at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
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In September, South African authorities announced that 86,596 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation between June 14 and August 20, bringing the number close to 90,000.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Interministerial Committee on Migration, said government data indicated that 90 per cent of those repatriated had entered the country illegally, while 95 per cent were classified as people who crossed the borders outside official entry points.
The government’s migration management plan focuses on tightening border security, addressing immigration violations, strengthening the immigration system, reviewing gaps in existing laws and improving cooperation with other countries.
Xenophobic Tensions Trigger Diplomatic Concerns
The immigration crackdown is taking place amid renewed anti-foreigner protests and reports of xenophobic attacks against African nationals living and conducting businesses in South Africa.
Foreign nationals, including Nigerians, Ghanaians, Malawians, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, have faced hostility from groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
The protests have heightened diplomatic tensions between South Africa and other African countries, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, whose governments have condemned attacks against their citizens and other African nationals.
Nigeria has repeatedly raised concerns over the safety of its citizens in South Africa, while Ghana has also called for action against xenophobic violence.
In September, Nigeria’s National Assembly suspended official engagements and visits to South Africa indefinitely over reports of attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants.
The Nigerian parliament expressed concern over reports that Nigerians had been killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties.
The two West African countries have also called for greater unity among members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in confronting xenophobic attacks and protecting African nationals across the continent.
South African authorities have maintained that immigration enforcement operations are directed at ensuring compliance with the country’s laws, irrespective of the nationality of those involved.
The government has also said its immigration measures must be implemented within the provisions of the country’s Constitution and applicable laws, while warning against misinformation linking unrelated criminal incidents to anti-immigration campaigns.
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