Immigration crackdown continues

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - In an effort to alleviate tension that has arisen over undocumented foreign nationals across the Garden Route, authorities have intensified an exit campaign aimed at verifying the legal status of foreign nationals who live and operate businesses in the region.

The co-ordinated operation has seen law enforcement officers and officials from the Department of Home Affairs visit spaza shops, retail stores and other businesses owned by foreign nationals to determine whether they are legally in the country and authorised to conduct business.

Several businesses remained closed during the inspections, with some reportedly shutting their doors out of fear of the operation. Others, whose permits and documentation were found to be valid, were allowed to continue trading.

Peaceful march, inspections continue
The only public demonstration reported in the region was a peaceful march in Kwanokuthula, where residents called for action against undocumented foreign nationals. No violence or major disruptions were reported.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officers continued door-to-door inspections in Knysna, checking permits and immigration documentation at businesses and homes occupied by foreign nationals. The operation also continued into Sedgefield.

A post shared on the Smutsville Informal Settlement Forum Facebook page stated that Wednesday morning began with the police conducting fingerprinting and counting processes, while officials from the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services verified documentation and immigration status. The newspaper could not independently verify the information contained in the social media post.

Repatriation bus delayed
On Monday 29 June, a group of Malawian nationals awaiting voluntary repatriation gathered at the Shell service station in Plettenberg Bay to board a bus destined for Johannesburg as part of their return to Malawi.

The departure was reportedly delayed after local taxi drivers allegedly prevented passengers from boarding the bus, insisting they instead make use of taxis travelling to Johannesburg.

Police intervened after the situation escalated, and the bus reportedly departed at about 18:00 that evening.

Municipalities clarify roles
Responding to enquiries, Bitou Municipality said it has not issued any directive restricting access to municipal services based on nationality or immigration status.

The municipality stressed that it does not perform immigration enforcement functions and remains committed to providing fair, lawful and non-discriminatory services to everyone within its jurisdiction.

Residents were urged to report any alleged denial of services through the municipality’s official complaints channels.

Knysna Municipality confirmed that its joint operations centre remains fully operational, co-ordinating a multi-agency response involving the police, municipal law enforcement, emergency services, government departments and community partners.

While acknowledging that some areas have experienced disruptions, the municipality said conditions across much of Greater Knysna remain stable. It said humanitarian assistance is being provided where required and urged residents to remain calm and rely only on verified information from official sources.

Authorities yet to release figures
At the time of going to press, the South African Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs had not yet confirmed the number of undocumented foreign nationals arrested during the operation, the number of businesses inspected, or the number of foreign nationals awaiting voluntary repatriation in Knysna, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay.

Authorities have also been asked to provide details on the overall outcome of the regional exit campaign once the operation has been concluded.

Police officers conducted fingerprinting and counting while Home Affairs Immigration Services verified documentation at Sedgefield Town Hall on Wednesday morning, according to a post shared on the Smutsville Informal Settlement Forum Facebook page. Photo: Smutsville Informal Settlement Forum/Facebook