Government has intensified its multidisciplinary response to undocumented migration, illegal employment and other forms of non-compliance.
Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said government’s approach remained focused on enforcing the law while ensuring that operations were conducted within the Constitution and applicable legislation.
The update comes amid continued anti-illegal immigration protests in parts of the country, as government also moves to counter misinformation surrounding criminal incidents allegedly linked to such campaigns.
Operation Shanela remains at the centre of government’s crime-fighting and enforcement operations, with daily intelligence-driven deployments taking place across all provinces.
The operations target wanted suspects, illegal firearms, drugs, organised crime, dangerous criminals and undocumented foreign nationals.
Last month, 16 208 illegal foreign nationals were arrested through Operation Shanela and related multidisciplinary operations.
Since January, the number of undocumented foreign nationals arrested has reached 59 947.
“These operations will continue without interruption,” Mosikili said.
Deportations and repatriations
Government has also continued with the repatriation and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
As of 3 August 2026, a total of 77 184 undocumented foreign nationals had been repatriated to various countries.
Between 1 April and 31 July, 18 816 people were formally deported, while 3 016 undocumented foreign nationals were awaiting deportation at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
Government has also begun demobilising the Repatriation Centre in Musina after thousands of undocumented foreign nationals were processed and repatriated.
Just over 500 people remain at the centre and are expected to be repatriated in the coming days.
Mosikili said the operation had been conducted through cooperation between government departments, foreign missions and other stakeholders.
“This marks a significant milestone in our coordinated operation, which has been carried out in an orderly, humane and lawful manner through the collaboration of all relevant government departments, foreign missions in South Africa and stakeholders,” she said.
Government said immigration enforcement would continue while ensuring that enforcement measures remained lawful, humane and consistent with the Constitution and applicable legislation.
Workplace inspections
The enforcement drive extends beyond immigration status, with government also targeting illegal employment, labour exploitation and non-compliance with labour legislation.
A total of 6 317 labour inspectors are conducting workplace inspections countrywide as part of the National Multidisciplinary High-Impact Blitz Operations coordinated by the Department of Employment and Labour.
The inspections are intended to ensure compliance with labour laws while protecting workers and legitimate businesses.
Compliance inspections at spaza shops are also continuing nationally.
The inspections cover municipal by-laws, food safety regulations, business licensing requirements and immigration legislation where applicable.
During July, the Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of inspections, with 14 948 spaza shops inspected.
This was followed by the Free State with 10 406 inspections, Gauteng with 2 631, KwaZulu-Natal with 2 617, Limpopo with 1 315, North West with 1 101, Northern Cape with 915 and Mpumalanga with 229.
Government said the inspections would continue as part of its broader compliance programme.
Border security
Border security remains another key component of the government’s enforcement strategy.
The Border Management Authority continues to strengthen operations through technology and intelligence-led interventions.
At the Lebombo Port of Entry, the introduction of the Vehicle Targeting System has improved the detection of stolen vehicles, smuggling activities and other illicit cross-border crimes.
The BMA works jointly with the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force, South African Revenue Service Customs and other departments.
A total of 93 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted during June, followed by another 81 in July.
NATJOINTS said the operations continued to produce positive results.
Warning against misinformation
The intensified enforcement operations have also been accompanied by concern over misinformation circulating on social media.
NATJOINTS said several videos being shared online falsely suggest that certain criminal incidents are linked to anti-illegal immigration campaigns.
“This is incorrect. We urge the public not to share unverified information,” Mosikili said.
Among the incidents identified by NATJOINTS are the fatal shooting of a Zambian truck driver on South Coast Road in KwaZulu-Natal on 26 June, the murder of a Ugandan national in Estcourt and the shooting of a Ghanaian national in Nyanga, Western Cape, which is believed to have been extortion-related.
A 42-year-old Nigerian national also died after collapsing while in police custody during a SAPS operation in Bellville on 23 July.
Drugs and an unlicensed firearm were recovered during the operation, and the matter is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
In KwaZulu-Natal, two suspects have been arrested following the murder of an Ethiopian national in Elandslaagte.
NATJOINTS said investigations into the various incidents were continuing and cautioned the public against attributing criminal incidents to anti-illegal immigration operations without evidence.
Protests
The enforcement measures are taking place against a backdrop of anti-illegal immigration protests that have declined significantly since the nationwide demonstrations of 30 June.
While Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal continue to experience isolated and localised demonstrations, NATJOINTS said most protests had remained peaceful and within the confines of the law.
Where violence, intimidation, road blockades, infrastructure damage or other criminal conduct occurred, police responded in accordance with Public Order Policing protocols.
NATJOINTS said everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully, but no person has the right to take the law into their own hands.
“Our message remains clear. South Africa is governed by the rule of law. No one is above the law. No person may take the law into their own hands,” Mosikili said. – SAnews.gov.za
