Rustenburg – Officials in the North West have issued a caution regarding the security threats linked to foreign nationals engaged in serious crimes including drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, unlawful mining, homicide, robbery, and livestock theft.

According to North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, recent Vala Umgodi operations resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals, aged between 20 and 47, in Geelhout Park, Tlhabane, and Extension 9, Boitekong on Friday, (2 May 2025), for their unauthorized stay in the country.

“One undocumented immigrant, aged 44, has been charged with possessing a dangerous weapon, while two others, aged 42 and 25, are facing charges for drug possession,” Colonel Myburgh reported.

“A variety of drugs, including cocaine and dagga, were seized during the operation.”

“All suspects are scheduled to appear in the Bafokeng and Mankwe Magistrate’s Courts,” she noted.

Colonel Myburgh remarked that the suspects originate from various countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Nigeria, and Lesotho.

In response to the situation, Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, expressed concern: “It is troubling that the police are consistently arresting large numbers of foreign nationals not only for illegal residency but also for a range of crimes.”

Major General Asaneng pointed out that the crimes committed by foreign nationals include drug trafficking, illegal drug possession, unlicensed firearms, illegal mining, murder, robbery, livestock theft, and other serious offenses.

The major general cautioned that these criminal activities threaten territorial integrity, public safety, and the economy, eroding the state’s authority.

Major General Asaneng stressed: “The involvement of foreign nationals in criminal activities, whether supported or facilitated by South Africans, presents a significant risk to national security, calling for a unified response from civil society and various government security and social departments.”

He indicated that the pertinent departments include the South African National Defence Force, Border Management Authority, Customs/South African Revenue Services, Home Affairs Immigration, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), and the National Prosecuting Authority.