South African authorities have arrested 127 undocumented foreign nationals, including 115 Zimbabweans, nine Ethiopians and three Ghanaians, as the government steps up enforcement of its immigration laws through coordinated nationwide operations. Officials said those found to be in breach of the country’s immigration regulations will face deportation as part of efforts to strengthen border control and uphold the rule of law.

The arrests were carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs during a series of intelligence-led operations across several provinces. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the campaign demonstrates the government’s resolve to tackle illegal immigration. Under Operation New Broom in Pretoria, dozens of undocumented migrants were arrested, while Operation Prosper in Stilfontein led to the arrest of 24 undocumented foreign nationals linked to illegal mining activities. Police also detained one suspect accused of attempting to bribe law enforcement officers.

In Limpopo Province, security agencies conducted roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, immigration inspections and compliance checks across all five districts. The exercise resulted in the repatriation of 115 Zimbabwean nationals, while 12 other foreign nationals—comprising nine Ethiopians and three Ghanaians—were arrested for allegedly violating South Africa’s Immigration Act. Authorities also arrested three employers accused of hiring undocumented migrants illegally.

The latest enforcement drive follows similar nationwide operations in recent months amid growing public concern over illegal migration. While the government has intensified immigration enforcement, President Cyril Ramaphosa has continued to condemn attacks on foreign nationals, insisting that migrants should not be blamed for unemployment, crime or shortcomings in public service delivery. Meanwhile, Nigeria and Ghana have urged the African Union to take a stronger stance against attacks on their citizens and other African migrants living in South Africa.