A multi-agency operation targeting hijacked buildings in Durban's Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday morning, 27 August 2024, unearthed a shocking reality of illegal occupation, deplorable living conditions, and criminal activity.
The operation, involving the police, metro police, correctional services, Home Affairs, and other law enforcement agencies, resulted in the arrest of over 150 undocumented foreign nationals. While some were later released after presenting valid documentation, at least 123 individuals remain in custody.
The raid, which focused on the Point area, known for its high levels of drug dealing, other illicit activities, and alleged undocumented foreign nationals, targeted six buildings, including one municipal-owned building that was illegally occupied.
Inside the buildings, officers uncovered a grim picture of overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions. One room was found to be subdivided to accommodate eight people, while other buildings had not been maintained for years, resulting in peeling paint, waste covering the floors, and a pervasive unpleasant odour.
Nolizwi Zondi, a resident of one of the buildings, described the deplorable conditions, stating, "The state of this building has been like this for years and has since deteriorated. Many people are not paying for electricity, and water was cut off in this building. There are 'owners' that collect rent from tenants, and some do not pay rent here."
Adding to the gravity of the situation, officers discovered counterfeit US dollars worth more than R4.1 million during the raid. This discovery further highlights the potential for serious criminal activity within these buildings.
Beyond the living conditions and counterfeit money, the operation also uncovered evidence of other criminal activities. A suspect was arrested for possession of cocaine and crystal meth, along with an undisclosed amount of money. Additionally, 117 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and large amounts of liquor were recovered and seized.
Two hijacked buildings had their illegal water and electricity connections disconnected.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated, "We have also arrested a kingpin linked to the building … and a wanted suspect who is linked to a rape that took place in Umlazi and was hiding out here." He added that they were questioning a person who was allegedly collecting rent money from those occupying the hijacked buildings.
The operation was led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi expressed concern about businesses operating throughout the night, which he believes are fronts for illegal activities.
"They have a salon that operates throughout the entire night and claims they cut hair. Who cuts hair at night? Twenty people stay in one room, and you wonder how that is possible. We understand that while others are asleep, others are on the streets selling drugs and hiding behind these salons," he said.
He called on the eThekwini Municipality to ensure that all businesses operating in the area are doing so in accordance with by-laws.
Ntuli emphasised the province's commitment to tackling crime in eThekwini, the province's economic hub. He stated that similar operations would be conducted in other areas outside Durban.
"We want to make sure that all these buildings are rejuvenated and have investors coming for purposes that will uplift our economy," Ntuli said. He added that it was crucial to ensure that illegal occupants did not return to the buildings after being evicted.
The arrested individuals will be profiled by the Department of Home Affairs, and those found to be in the country illegally will be deported.
NOW HAPPENING: SAPS is currently raiding illegally occupied buildings in Durban, more than 100 illegal foreigners were rounded up like sheep’s and arrested, while the City of Cape Town is also raiding the city. pic.twitter.com/sBdCykudKE
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) August 27, 2024
The arrests have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many South Africans expressing their frustration with the ongoing issue of illegal immigration and calling for stricter action from the authorities.
One Twitter user, @TieOnto, remarked on the long delay in addressing the issue, saying, "It took an ANC 40% for the government to realise that SA has a massive immigration issue. Before then, the corrupt cadres were happy to pretend we were being xenophobic when we made noise about the criminality of undocumented immigrants."
Another user, @PHASTARICO, commented on the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, stating, "Illegal immigrants always put out a fight against Police raids. I'm sure they are aware Mkhwanazi doesn't have time for games. You touch one Police person and you will see flames. They behave and sit down quietly."
@musolini_Ben called for similar raids to be conducted regularly, stating, "This must happen daily. We need to send a strong message that even if you can make it past our borders, life will not be easy for you. You’ll live like a rat constantly running."
@TheeOssy_Oswald shared his own experience with these buildings, saying, "I once followed my iPhone 14 on GPS and I was led to one of these CBD buildings.didn’t even attempt going inside because I wouldn’t have come out alive. Called the police and they told me they need a SWAT team to access such buildings in JHB CBD. All residents in the area wheee either Nigerian or Congolese!"
@Ishshah_B directed a message to Gauteng, saying, "Look what other leaders are actively doing, Panyaza Lesufi and you brought us Dada Morero."
The arrests also followed the court appearance of 11 Ugandan nationals in Mpumalanga, who were apprehended with R3 million in counterfeit money. This incident further fuelled calls for Home Affairs Minister Leon Amos Schreiber to take firm action against illegal immigrants.
