Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the public have praised and welcomed the arrest of 165 illegal immigrants at the Pietermaritzburg landfill site.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said that the arrests were made during a multi-disciplinary operation that was held on Alexandra Road in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday until the early hours of Friday morning, following reports of rampant criminality at the landfill site.
“Police received reports that conflict amongst waste pickers has resulted in assaults as well as murders,” Naicker said.
“The team arrested 168 people, which included 165 illegal immigrants. The suspects were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as possession of drugs. Police officers also seized two pistols, ammunition and drugs during the operation.”
The suspects aged between 18 and 55 appeared before the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Naicker said the multidisciplinary team, which comprise local police, SAPS Airwing, SAPS Mounted Unit, Fire and Rescue, Crime Intelligence, SAPS Stabilisation Team, Home Affairs and Magma Security, worked tirelessly at the landfill site on New England Road, where it is alleged that waste pickers were engaged in criminal activity.
Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi said: “We commend this bold initiative by police at uMgungundlovu and other role players to deal with rising crime, which is exacerbated by the growing number of undocumented persons. We are calling for similar operations in other districts to deal decisively with their crime hotspots.”
Reacting, this is what Facebook users had to say:
Basil McLellan said: “Well done to all involved, keep committed and dedicated to eradicate all lawless humans on earth.” He said they need to respect the law at all times. We need a better society to live in peace and harmony, and to keep a safe salute to all that never goes unseen.
Sibusiso Gigaba said: “As a country, we are in trouble, this is an invasion.”
Shange Zama said: “Police officers do their jobs guys, it's the justice system that fails us. Even if they're deported they are going to come back, unless stricter laws are put in place and people who guard the borders do their jobs.”
Gerrit Conradie said: “Finally, the police are doing their work!!! Whoop! Whoop!”
Stacy Mkhabela said: “Guys the main problem is at our borders are very leaky, I wish they can use the strategies of apartheid security at our borders.”
Malik Tshepxion Mcwhite said: “We can't applaud this incident, deal with the problem. Citizens are sitting back watching foreigners invade this country. I like the USA and China how they deal with such nonsense, ANC government.”
Daily News