A concerted effort by the Durban Metro Police Service, Municipal Business Support, the Department of Home Affairs and various government institutions tightened it’s grip on illegal immigration and non-compliant businesses during a high-impact joint operation in the Durban CBD on Monday, 25 May 2026.
The multidisciplinary stakeholder operation resulted in the arrest of 23 undocumented foreign Nationals and the closure of 5 non-compliant retails outlets within the inner along Dr Pixley KaSeme and Anton Lembede Street.
These form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance with immigration legislation, enhance public safety, and restore order within key business and trading areas of the City.
Accompanied by Ward 32 Councillor Protas Mngonyama, who spearheaded and led the rejuvenation of the once notorious drug and crime ridden Albert Park, Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said: “We’ve heard and are responding to the ongoing concerns of the mushrooming of illegal retail outlets, illegal and undocumented, dirt and grime, prostitution and the sale of illegal narcotics in and around the City.”
A total of 32 individuals were detained for immigration status verification by officials from the Department of Home Affairs. Following verification processes, 23 undocumented foreign nationals between the ages of 21 to 54 were confirmed to be unlawfully in the Republic and subsequently arrested in terms of the Immigration Act.
Those arrested include nationals from Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, and China.
Zungu confirmed five shops were closed due to non-compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
The City commends the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved, including the South African Police Service, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour, Department of Health, Metro Police, and other law enforcement partners.
The City remains committed to sustained multi-disciplinary operations aimed at ensuring compliance with the law, maintaining public order, and creating a safer environment for residents, businesses, and visitors in the Durban CBD.
Executive Committee Decisions