North West SAPS Issues Warning: Foreign Nationals Associated with Serious Crimes Pose Security Risk

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

As reported by North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the ongoing Vala Umgodi operations led to the apprehension of 13 men, aged between 20 and 47, in Geelhout Park, Tlhabane, and Extension 9, Boitekong on Friday, (2 May 2025), for their unlawful residency in the country.

“One undocumented immigrant, aged 44, has been charged with possession of a dangerous weapon, while two others, aged 42 and 25, face allegations of drug possession,” Colonel Myburgh stated.

“Various narcotics, including cocaine and dagga, were seized during the operation.”

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

Colonel Myburgh pointed out that the suspects originate from multiple countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Nigeria, and Lesotho.

In light of the situation, Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, voiced his concern: “It is troubling that law enforcement regularly apprehends significant numbers of foreign nationals not only for illegal residency but also for a range of crimes.”

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

The major general cautioned that these criminal actions threaten territorial integrity, public safety, and the economy, undermining state authority.

Major General Asaneng stressed: “The participation of foreign nationals in criminal acts, whether supported or facilitated by South Africans, represents a considerable risk to national security, requiring a unified effort from civil society and various governmental security and social departments.”

The major general noted 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.