As anti-illegal immigration protests continue to spread across South Africa, law enforcement agencies are intensifying operations against undocumented foreign nationals, with fresh arrests in the Free State and lengthy prison sentences handed down to two foreign nationals convicted of violent crimes.

The latest developments come as public pressure mounts on the government to tighten border security and enforce immigration laws. Thousands of South Africans have taken to the streets in recent days under the banner of the March and March movement, backed by groups such as Operation Dudula and supported by political parties including ActionSA and the MK Party. Protesters argue that undocumented migrants contribute to crime, place pressure on public services and jobs, and undermine the country’s economy.

Authorities insist, however, that immigration enforcement must be carried out within the law and that criminal responsibility rests with individuals rather than entire nationalities.

On Friday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State announced the arrest of nine undocumented foreign nationals during an intelligence-led operation at a farm factory in Reitz.

According to police, members of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Operational Command Centre acted on information that undocumented foreign nationals were employed at a factory manufacturing biscuits on a farm.

The operation resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, who remain in custody while immigration verification and administrative processes are completed.

Police said the local municipality has been engaged over the matter, while the factory is expected to be closed pending further investigations. Authorities are also considering action against the owner for allegedly failing to comply with relevant legislation governing employment and immigration.

“The South African Police Service remains committed to enforcing the law, ensuring compliance with immigration legislation, and working closely with relevant stakeholders to address all forms of unlawful activity,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring.

The arrests come just a day after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentencing of a Zimbabwean national to an effective 131 years’ direct imprisonment for a string of violent offences committed over several years in Pretoria North.

Dorosi Bande, 27, was convicted of multiple counts of housebreaking, robbery with aggravating circumstances, rape, unlawful possession of a firearm and contravening immigration legislation.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that between July 2018 and March 2021, Bande terrorised residents in Pretoria North by breaking into homes during the day and at night, robbing victims at gunpoint and raping two women.

In one of the most disturbing incidents, he raped a 52-year-old woman in the presence of her husband after forcing his way into their home.

The court heard that Bande targeted ten households before police arrested him in March 2021 after receiving information that he was selling stolen goods beneath a railway bridge.

Although he pleaded not guilty throughout the trial and asked for a lighter sentence so he could return home to care for his family, the court found that the evidence presented by the prosecution overwhelmingly proved his guilt.

Magistrate Pieter Nel described Bande’s conduct as “monstrous”, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.

The court further ordered that he be deported to Zimbabwe upon completion of his prison sentence and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA said the prosecution had presented compelling victim testimony, including a victim impact statement revealing that one complainant’s husband suffered a stroke following the attack and permanently lost his ability to speak.

In a separate matter in the North West, the NPA also welcomed the sentencing of Lesotho national Thabang Lestholo to an effective 30 years’ imprisonment after he was convicted of rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping.

The Tlhabane Regional Court heard that Lestholo approached a 19-year-old couple in Freedom Park in November 2023 under the pretext of asking for directions before producing a firearm and forcing them into nearby bushes.

He robbed them of their belongings before raping the young woman while forcing her boyfriend to lie face down on the ground.

The victim later escaped and alerted members of the public.

The following day, the boyfriend located the accused at a nearby Somali-owned shop, where he was allegedly still wearing the stolen shoes. Police later recovered stolen property and arrested him.

The court rejected Lestholo’s claim that he had been in a relationship with the complainant and found him guilty on all major charges.

Welcoming the sentence, North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari said it sent a strong message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and violent crime would be held accountable.

The latest arrests and convictions come as immigration enforcement has become one of South Africa’s most contentious political issues.

Demonstrations have been held in several provinces this week, with protesters demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, stronger border controls and stricter enforcement against employers who hire undocumented workers.

The protests have largely remained peaceful, although police have reported isolated incidents in some areas.

Government has repeatedly stated that immigration laws will continue to be enforced while warning against vigilantism, intimidation and attacks targeting foreign nationals.

For many protesters, however, the recent police operations and successful prosecutions are viewed as evidence that authorities are beginning to respond to long-standing concerns over illegal immigration and criminality.

The latest cases also highlight the dual focus of law enforcement agencies: enforcing immigration legislation against undocumented migrants while ensuring that those convicted of serious crimes face the full might of the criminal justice system, regardless of their nationality.