DEL sting operation — Cape Town (April 17, 2025)

A joint sting operation by the Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, SAPS, and local municipalities on 16 April 2025 in Mandeni’s iSithembe Industrial Area led to 64 arrests—including 63 undocumented foreign nationals, mostly from Lesotho, and their employer.

Three factory sections were shut down for violating labour and safety laws.

Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya said the operation aimed to enforce compliance and protect local jobs, criticising employers who exploit undocumented workers for cheap labour.

Authorities issued three prohibition notices and 36 compliance notices to nine non-compliant companies, with possible prosecution for continued violations.

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza confirmed the operation was intelligence-driven. SAPS also recovered two licensed firearms and other ammunition during the inspections.

• Source: DEL media statement. Department of Labour