Staff Reporter
More than 76,500 illegal foreigners were arrested across the country between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Tuesday.
SAPS said in a statement that 29,371 illegal foreigners had been arrested between 1 January and 17 May 2026, during intelligence-driven operations, tracing operations, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and other multi-disciplinary law enforcement initiatives.
In the past week alone, police arrested 1,891 illegal foreigners for contravening the Immigration Act, SAPS said.
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“The South African Police Service continues to intensify its nationwide crime prevention and law enforcement operations aimed at addressing illegal immigration and related criminality through Operation Shanela.”
The latest arrests formed part of “broader efforts to combat crime, maintain law and order and address challenges associated with undocumented persons operating unlawfully within communities”.
The statement comes amid rising anti-illegal foreigner sentiment in the country, where a series of marches and protests – some turning violent — have taken place by locals demanding tougher action against undocumented migrants.
About 300 Ghanaians were repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday because of the increasing tensions, while at least 130 Nigerians had earlier sought repatriation after protests in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Police also said this week they were on high alert and warned that intimidation, attacks on businesses, vigilantism or incitement to public violence during the protests would be met with “the full force of the law”.
“Police remain committed to enforcing the laws of the Republic without fear or favour while ensuring that all operations are conducted within the confines of the Constitution and applicable legislation,” SAPS said.
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Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said police would continue to intensify operations to ensure that those found to be in the country illegally were processed in accordance with the law.
SAPS also urged communities to work with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activity and avoiding vigilantism, intimidation or violence against foreign nationals.
“Police remain committed to maintaining peace, stability and the rule of law in all communities,” SAPS said.
