EFF Johannesburg MMC Mgcini Tshwaku Announces Major Raid: Over 600 Undocumented Foreign Nationals Detained in Mayfair
Johannesburg – EFF Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, has revealed details of a large-scale joint operation that led to the detention of more than 600 undocumented foreign nationals in Mayfair. The raid, carried out on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, involved the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, South African Police Service, and Department of Home Affairs. Tshwaku highlighted the risks posed by illegal immigration and overcrowding, calling it a threat to the city’s safety and a potential disaster waiting to happen.
This operation comes amid growing concerns about hijacked buildings and unlawful occupation in urban areas, where confined spaces house large numbers of people without proper documentation. Officials are now processing the detainees under legal guidelines, ensuring compliance with immigration laws. The action underscores efforts to tackle crime and improve security in Johannesburg’s densely populated neighbourhoods.
Details of the Operation: A Coordinated Crackdown on Illegal Immigration
The joint effort targeted undocumented individuals in Mayfair, a suburb known for its mix of residential and commercial spaces. According to Tshwaku, 217 women and over 400 men were detained during the sweep. Immigration officials are handling the cases, verifying identities and determining next steps, which could include deportation for those without valid permits.
Tshwaku shared the update on social media, stating: “A joint JMPD, SAPS and Home Affairs operation in Mayfair has resulted in the detention of undocumented foreign nationals: 217 women and over 400 men. Immigration officials are actively processing the individuals in accordance with legal protocols.
Having undocumented foreign nationals is a threath to the safety and security of the city.
Also having so many people residing in a confined space is a disaster waiting to happen.
JMPDInAction #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje”
The raid focused on buildings suspected of harbouring illegal occupants, where overcrowding has led to health and safety hazards. Officials noted that such conditions increase the risk of fires, disease outbreaks, and criminal activities, making swift intervention necessary.
Similar operations have occurred in Johannesburg recently, aiming to reclaim hijacked properties and enforce by-laws. For instance, past raids in areas like Hillbrow and Yeoville have uncovered counterfeit goods, drugs, and weapons alongside immigration violations. This Mayfair action is part of a broader strategy to restore order and protect residents from exploitation by slumlords who profit from unsafe living conditions.
Security and Safety Concerns: Why the Raid Matters
Tshwaku emphasised the broader implications of undocumented immigration, linking it to rising crime rates and strained city resources. Undocumented individuals often fall prey to human trafficking networks or join informal economies, which can fuel illegal trade and gang activities. In Mayfair, a diverse area with a large immigrant population, such issues have led to community tensions and calls for stricter enforcement.
Overcrowding in confined spaces adds another layer of danger. Buildings designed for small families or businesses are sometimes packed with hundreds of people, violating fire codes and sanitation standards. This setup creates breeding grounds for disasters, as seen in past incidents like the Usindiso building fire in Marshalltown, which claimed over 70 lives due to similar overcrowding and neglect.
City officials have ramped up inspections in response, partnering with national agencies to address these hotspots. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department has conducted over 50 such operations in 2025 alone, detaining thousands and seizing illegal items. These efforts aim to deter unlawful occupation while providing pathways for legal residency through Home Affairs programmes.
Political and Community Reactions: A Divided Response
The raid has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praise it as a necessary step to uphold the law and protect local jobs, arguing that unchecked immigration strains public services like healthcare and education. EFF leaders, including Tshwaku, have long advocated for stricter border controls, aligning with their push for economic justice and prioritising South Africans.
Critics, however, worry about human rights abuses during such operations. Advocacy groups like Lawyers for Human Rights have called for humane treatment, ensuring detainees access to legal aid and family contact. They argue that many undocumented people are refugees fleeing conflict or poverty, and blanket raids risk violating international obligations.
In Mayfair, residents report a sense of relief but also fear. Local businesses, many run by immigrants, could suffer if key workers are deported. Community leaders urge dialogue to balance security with inclusivity, suggesting programmes for skills training and legalisation to integrate long-term residents.
Government’s Broader Strategy: Tackling Immigration and Urban Challenges
This operation fits into Johannesburg’s Nomakanjani Manje Namhlanje campaign, which focuses on rapid action against crime and decay. The city has invested in surveillance tech, community policing, and partnerships with national bodies to reclaim spaces and improve living conditions.
Nationally, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has prioritised digitising processes to speed up visa approvals and deportations, aiming to reduce backlogs that leave people undocumented. In 2025, over 10,000 deportations have occurred, with a focus on high-risk areas like Gauteng.
Experts recommend long-term solutions, such as economic development in sending countries and regional agreements under the African Union to manage migration. For Johannesburg, upgrading informal settlements and enforcing building codes could prevent overcrowding disasters.
As processing continues, the Mayfair raid serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between immigration, security, and urban planning. Tshwaku’s team vows more actions, urging residents to report suspicious activities while respecting legal rights.
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