The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli in his capacity as the Executive Authority of the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, accompanied by the Acting Head of the Department (HOD) of Ms. Nokuthula Khanyile and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted an intelligence driven operation at China Plaza in Umbilo, eThekwiniMetro.
During this operation nine (9) undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and taken to police custody for processing.
It will be remembered that Premier Ntuli as a sign of the Government of Provincial Unity’s commitment in the fight against crime, he pronounced Operation Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla. This operation is directed to undocumented foreign nationals and to the employers who hire and exploit them including the law-abiding citizens of this country.
“This is an ongoing operation, police are always on the ground doing their work with or without the Premier and General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Whenever you see me, that is part of demonstrating that government is in support of the good work done by the Police in this province.” Said the Premier
Asked about those who are gatekeeping, blocking health care services for undocumented foreign nationals, this is what he said: “I advise that those if they are law-abiding citizens of this country, they must report any act of criminality rather than disturbing operations in our health care facilities. What they are doing is not helping but makes them law breakers.”
Asked about his take on what General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s press briefing last Sunday and the implications thereof now that the President will be addressing the Nation on Sunday 13, July 2025, he said,
“Without being presumptuous, however it would be an unfortunate situation if we were to wake up and do not have a police of his caliber and the leadership skills he has shown in the Province. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has restored trust and confidence in the law enforcement and people are starting to have faith in the police, that is visible in the number of cases that are reported every day.”
Concluded the Honorable Premier.