JOHANNESBURG, July 23 (Xinhua) -- South African police said Thursday that more than 12,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested nationwide over the past three weeks as authorities intensified joint operations to combat illegal immigration and serious crime.
In a statement, the South African Police Service said 12,009 undocumented foreign nationals had been apprehended in coordinated operations conducted with the Department of Home Affairs, the South African National Defense Force and other law enforcement agencies. Of those, 3,113 were arrested in the past week alone.
"These efforts form part of a broader strategy to strengthen border security, enforce immigration laws, and ensure safer communities for all who live in South Africa," said the statement.
It said the operations also target serious crimes, including drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, murder, rape, robbery, illegal mining, cash-in-transit heists and organized criminal activities.
Police reiterated that while immigration enforcement remains a priority, all persons must be treated with dignity and in accordance with the constitution and the laws.
"The public is urged to refrain from acts of vigilantism or intimidation and to report suspected criminal activity through the appropriate law enforcement channels," it added.
The latest figures were released as anti-immigration demonstrations continued in parts of South Africa. Following a nationwide protest on June 30, some groups have organized weekly marches calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals. ■
