More than 12,500 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested across South Africa in three weeks as authorities intensify immigration enforcement.

Figures released by the South African Police Service show that 8,896 people were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act during the first 14 days.

A further 3,622 undocumented migrants were arrested during nationwide Operation Shanela activities between 13 and 19 July 2026.

This brought the three-week total to 12,518 arrests.

Police said the operations reflected government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and tackling related criminal activity.

Western Cape records most arrests

During the latest week of operations, the Western Cape recorded the highest number of immigration-related arrests.

Police said 1,484 undocumented migrants were arrested in the province.

Gauteng followed with 1,257 arrests.

The latest immigration crackdown formed part of broader Operation Shanela activities, which resulted in 17,583 suspects being arrested for various offences in seven days.

Detectives also traced and arrested 1,777 wanted suspects linked to crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking and armed robbery.

Agencies work together

SAPS said the immigration operations were conducted with support from the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority and other government departments.

The South African National Defence Force has also assisted in selected operations.

In one case, police and other agencies arrested 217 suspected illegal miners at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria.

Some undocumented foreign nationals arrested during the operations are also facing charges linked to serious crimes, including murder, rape and possession of unlicensed firearms.

Police warn against vigilantism

Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane said only authorised law enforcement officials may conduct immigration inspections.

She warned members of the public against intimidating, harassing or attacking foreign nationals.

Police said violence would not be tolerated as a way of resolving disputes over immigration.

Dimpane urged communities to report suspected immigration violations through legal channels instead of taking the law into their own hands.

Authorities said joint enforcement operations would continue across the country.