10 illegal workers netted after raid in Joburg’s Turffontein

A group of illegal immigrants working in South Africa has been arrested following an inspection blitz in Turffontein, south of Johannesburg.

The Employment and Labour Department conducted an inspection blitz on Thursday, targeting various business sectors in the area.

Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya stated that the operation aims to safeguard workers' rights and ensure businesses comply with labour laws and immigration regulations.

During the inspection, officials found a group of illegal immigrants from Malawi employed at a steel manufacturing company without valid documentation.

Ten foreign nationals were arrested by Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for working in the country illegally.

The Department of Home Affairs, which was part of the operation, reported that the arrested workers presented fraudulent passports, work permits, critical skills permits, and asylum seeker permits.

The Home Affairs provincial manager, Mamokubung Moroke, confirmed that legal action would be taken against the workers and the employer.

"So, from here we will be applying the law in terms of detaining those who have transgressed, but there is also an action for an employer who has employed illegal foreigners."

Moroke stressed that South African employers have a responsibility to check whether foreign nationals have the proper documentation. She added that the company would be fined if the proper hiring procedure was not followed.

The Department of Employment and Labour said employers can face fines of up to R10,000 per employee or one year imprisonment if they are found guilty of illegally hiring immigrant workers.

Moroke further urged employers not to aid or engage in the illegal employment of foreign nationals.

“For every person that a South African is employing, even though they are presented with the papers, it is their responsibility to approach their nearest home affairs office, to make sure that the documents in their possession are legitimate and not only in terms of legitimacy, but to make sure that the permits that people are holding are appropriate.

“So, we are encouraging employers who are employing foreign nationals to make sure, in person, they do go to Home Affairs and they have no doubt people they can work through to make sure that documents are being verified.”