Swoop nets 14 more illegals

Buildings searched in Central ‘lockdown’

PHASE two of a national crime combating operation launched in Port Elizabeth last week led to the arrest of 14 suspected illegal immigrants in Central on Friday night.

Operation Fiela-Reclaim includes various state entities such as the police, army, Home Affairs, provincial and local traffic departments as well as the SA Revenue Service.

The operation has come under the spotlight, with human rights activists across the country accusing the government of using apartheid-style tactics to target immigrants under the pretence of a nationwide crime operation.

The government and police have, however, defended the operation, saying it aims to clamp down on criminal activity including illegal weapons, drug dens and prostitution rings.

-Gareth Wilson