Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimphane has warned that anyone who harbours or employs undocumented foreign nationals could face prosecution under the Immigration Act, following the arrest of a suspect accused of harbouring undocumented migrants.
Speaking during a National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) briefing, Dimphane urged employers to ensure that domestic workers, gardeners, and other employees have the necessary legal documentation before offering them employment.
Independent policing and crime analyst Dr Esewu Mathebula said the issue has become increasingly contentious as South Africans grapple with high unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
He argued that some employers deliberately hire undocumented foreign nationals because they are easier to exploit.
“Most employers prefer undocumented foreign nationals because they can exploit them very easily. They pay them peanuts, whereas South African workers are protected by the country’s minimum wage laws,” he said.
Mathebula described the practice as a form of “modern slavery”, saying it not only exploits vulnerable workers but also undermines labour laws and fair employment practices.
He added that undocumented migration has been a long-standing challenge, but public frustration has intensified as competition for jobs and resources has increased.
Police have warned that anyone found harbouring or knowingly employing undocumented foreign nationals in violation of the Immigration Act could face criminal charges as authorities step up enforcement efforts.
Listen to the full interview below:
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