A labour and immigration compliance crackdown in Johannesburg has led to the arrest of 13 undocumented foreign nationals at Devland Cash & Carry in Devland, south of the city. The arrests were made during a multidisciplinary blitz in December 2025 involving the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Home Affairs, SAPS, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.
Authorities say the workers—originally from Malawi, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and India—were taken into custody alongside one employer for alleged violations of labour and immigration laws. Several other undocumented workers reportedly fled moments before inspectors entered the premises.
Officials say the arrested individuals were performing general labour tasks that the state argues could have been occupied by South African workers, especially in a sector where unemployment remains high.
The raid formed part of a joint operation targeting non-compliance across Johannesburg’s business districts. Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya confirmed that Devland Cash & Carry and another employer, Krunch (Pty) Ltd, were both issued with Contravention and Prohibition Notices.
“During our second day in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, we visited Krunch (Pty) Ltd and Devland Cash & Carry. Both were issued with notices and subsequently arrested for contravening Sections 38 and 44 of the Immigration Act, which prohibit the employment of illegal immigrants,” Sibiya said.
He added that across the broader operation, 25 undocumented foreign nationals, including implicated employers, were arrested.
Sibiya stressed that the inspections were aimed at ensuring compliance with key labour legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Authorities say similar operations will continue across Gauteng as government intensifies efforts to clamp down on unlawful employment practices and immigration violations.
