The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 2,884 foreign nationals between 22 and 28 June 2026 for contravening the Immigration Act. This figure formed part of a broader, high-density enforcement campaign known as Operation Shanela II, which saw a total of 15,384 suspects apprehended nationwide during the same week.
Operational Successes And Public Safety
Beyond immigration-related enforcement, the national operation sought to curb violent crime across the country. According to official police reports, the sweep resulted in the arrest of 146 suspects for murder, 136 for attempted murder, and 111 for rape, alongside the recovery of 101 illegal firearms.
The Saps’ role is to maintain public order, protect lives and property, and act decisively against any criminality that threatens public safety.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk emphasised that these efforts are part of a continuous mandate to restore order. The operation was managed by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) to ensure a unified approach to law enforcement in high-crime areas.
Context And Law Enforcement Resolve
The intensification of these operations preceded a series of scheduled national protests against illegal immigration that were slated for 30 June 2026. Authorities have maintained that the clampdown is a standard security measure while simultaneously managing ongoing state-mandated deportation and repatriation processes.
Our message is simple: do not test the resolve of the state. To those who intend to demonstrate peacefully, we assure you that your constitutional right will be protected.
Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane stressed that while the state ensures the protection of constitutional rights, it remains committed to enforcing immigration laws strictly. Police are expected to maintain an increased visibility presence as departments continue to process the cases of the thousands of individuals currently in custody.