WATCH: Dramatic scenes in Joburg CBD as undocumented workers are arrested

By Mapaballo Borotho

• Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and city officials conducted an operation in the Joburg CBD targeting undocumented foreign nationals employed without legal documentation.
• More than 10 people were arrested, including the manager of MTN Rank Butchery and several workers accused of violating immigration laws.
• The city says the operation forms part of efforts to restore order and enforce the law in Johannesburg’s inner city.

In an effort to reclaim the inner city of Johannesburg, Mayor Dada Morero and city officials conducted an operation on Tuesday morning, 19 May 2026, arresting foreign nationals allegedly employed without legal documentation.

Among those arrested was the manager of the well-known MTN Rank Butchery. He was arrested for allegedly employing several undocumented foreign nationals at the butchery.

Five workers were also arrested for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act.

The latest arrests bring the number of undocumented foreign nationals taken into custody to more than 10.

Scenes turned chaotic at the butchery when officials entered the premises, with some employees allegedly attempting to flee by hiding on top of refrigerators inside the cold room.

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg High Court is expected to hand down judgment on the demolition of several shops inside the Marble Towers building.

City officials said the initiative demonstrates Johannesburg’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and restoring the character of its urban spaces.

This is a developing story. Follow updates as the story unfolds on Kaya News on X.

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