Central SA
Illegal immigrants detained in Welkom yet to be deported─── OLEBOGENG MOTSE 07:57 Sun, 07 Jul 2019
Welkom police in the Free State have taken seven illegal immigrants from Lesotho into custody following a roadblock in the area this week.
Police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng confirms the group is yet to be deported, because the Department of Home Affairs is still processing documents to finalise their deportation.
The group was apprehended in a roadblock on the R34 involving authorities from the traffic department as well as local police. 179 vehicles and 291 people were searched, resulting in the arrests as well as the issuing of 22 fines for various traffic violations.
The ANC government did vow ahead of the national elections in May to crack down on undocumented immigrants, some of whom are alleged to be involved in illegal activities. Human Rights groups have long criticised the government of using the contentious issue of migrancy to gain the populist vote in the country.
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