LOOK! Dozens Of Undocumented Workers Arrested At Ekurhuleni Construction Site

Police have arrested several undocumented foreign nationals during a law enforcement operation at a construction site in Clayville, on the East Rand in Ekurhuleni, on Friday.

The inspection forms part of a broader crackdown targeting employers accused of violating South Africa’s labour regulations.

Labour Department Blitz Targets Non-Compliant Employers in Clayville

The operation, led by Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya, began on Friday morning at the site of a residential apartment development.

Authorities descended on the premises as part of ongoing efforts to act against companies found to be flouting labour legislation.

Signage at the entrance to the construction site identifies the company involved as Tri Star.

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Workers Flee as Police Move To Arrest Them

When officers arrived, some workers reportedly ran from the site. Police quickly moved in, resulting in multiple arrests.

More than five police vans were filled with undocumented workers as the operation continued throughout the day.

Officials confirmed that the arrests are part of a coordinated enforcement action aimed at ensuring compliance with immigration and employment laws.

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Deputy Minister Warns: ‘We Are the State That Can Bite’

Sibiya said the inspection uncovered more than just the employment of undocumented foreign nationals. According to him, authorities identified additional breaches of labour legislation at the site.

He issued a firm warning to employers attempting to bypass the law.

“Anyone who thinks he can undermine the law, the authority of the state, the manner in which they do, we have to hit hard on them and don’t allow them to think we are the state that can’t bite, we are the state that can bite and show people that we’ve got authority.”

The enforcement action in Clayville forms part of wider government efforts to tighten oversight of workplaces and hold non-compliant businesses accountable.