Over 600 illegal foreigners arrested in Mayfair, Johannesburg

Zuko Komisa

A joint JMPD, SAPS, and Home Affairs operation in Mayfair, Johannesburg, resulted in the arrest of 630 people on suspicion of breaking the Immigration Act.
MMC for Public Safety, Dr Cllr Mgcini Tshwaku, commended the action as part of a city-wide plan to restore order and specifically target criminal groups like human traffickers.
Authorities confirm that intelligence-driven operations will be intensified across Johannesburg to enforce laws and ensure community safety.

A major, coordinated law enforcement operation in Mayfair, Johannesburg, led to the arrest of 630 individuals suspected of immigration violations.

The MMC for Public Safety, Dr Cllr Mgcini Tshwaku, hailed the success of the 18 November 2025 sweep, which involved the JMPD, SAPS, and Home Affairs.

The detainees comprising 217 women and 413 men were arrested for being in South Africa without valid papers and handed over to Home Affairs for legal processing.

Mayfair was targeted due to high levels of illegal immigration and associated crime.

Dr Tshwaku stressed that such joint, intelligence-driven operations will be intensified across the city to combat criminal groups involved in human trafficking and illegal entry.

“We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven interventions to restore safety and order,” the MMC stated, promising further action to keep communities safe.