Property owners in South Africa’s Gauteng Province who knowingly rent accommodation to undocumented foreign nationals risk facing fines of R10,000 for each undocumented tenant, Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni has warned.
Speaking ahead of planned demonstrations scheduled for June 30, Mthombeni said law enforcement agencies would intensify operations targeting undocumented foreign nationals as well as individuals accused of harbouring or employing them illegally.Malawi Repatriation Crisis Deepens as Thousands Await Return from South Africa
He said landlords found violating South Africa’s immigration laws could also face criminal prosecution in addition to financial penalties.
To strengthen security during the demonstrations, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will deploy more than 13,000 officers across Gauteng. The operation will be supported by 217,000 private security personnel, 2,000 Gauteng Traffic Police officers and 8,000 crime prevention wardens.Malawi Government Intensifies Repatriation of Citizens Amid Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa
Authorities will also utilise drones, helicopters and more than 33,000 CCTV cameras to monitor activities and respond swiftly to any incidents.
Mthombeni said police are fully prepared to prevent violence, looting and intimidation during the demonstrations while ensuring that the constitutional rights of all residents are respected.DPP Diaspora RSA Warns Malawians Against Repatriation Bus Scam
The warning comes amid heightened public debate over illegal immigration and growing calls for stricter enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws. Police have urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and to comply with all legal requirements as security operations continue.
