More than 70 000 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested between April 2025 and March 2026 across South Africa (SA).

Just this past week alone, about 1 900 undocumented foreigners were nabbed during a police operation dubbed Shanela.

SA Police Services (SAPS) National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has urged communities to work with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities and avoiding acts of vigilantism against foreign nationals.

Mathe says, “Past financial year, between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, more than 76 588 illegal foreigners were arrested countrywide. The acting national commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Bulelang Mbambeni has reiterated that police will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those found to be in the country illegally are processed in accordance with the law. Police remain committed to maintaining peace, stability and the rule of law in all communities”.

—SABC—