A joint law-enforcement operation in Mayfair has led to the detention of more than 600 undocumented foreign nationals, raising serious concerns about public safety and overcrowded living conditions in the area.
The multi-stakeholder operation — involving the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), South African Police Service (SAPS) and Department of Home Affairs — was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration and enforce compliance with national legislation.
According to authorities, 217 women and more than 400 men were taken into custody during the targeted raid. Home Affairs immigration officials are now processing all detainees in line with legal protocols, including verification of identities, status checks and possible deportation procedures.
City officials warned that undocumented individuals pose a challenge to urban safety, law enforcement operations and service delivery planning. They added that the discovery of such a large number of people living in one confined space highlighted the risk of health hazards, fire danger and structural instability.
“Having undocumented foreign nationals is a threat to the safety and security of the city. Also, having so many people living in a small, overcrowded space is a disaster waiting to happen,” authorities said.
The City of Joburg has vowed to intensify multi-agency operations targeting illegal dwellings, hijacked buildings and non-compliant residential setups across the metro.