Free State police arrest 24 undocumented migrants during Reitz operation

A joint crime prevention operation conducted in the early hours of Thursday has resulted in the arrest of 24 undocumented persons in Reitz.

The operation involved members of the Reitz police, Nketoana Local Municipality and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit.

In a statement on Thursday, police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said that the operation was aimed at addressing contact and property-related crimes identified as priority concerns in the Reitz policing precinct during the previous quarter.

These crimes include assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, murder, residential and business burglaries, damage to essential infrastructure, theft of copper cables and stock theft.

Mophiring said the joint operation formed part of proactive measures to prevent further criminal activity and address crime-related challenges in the area.

Of the 24 people arrested, five are females and 15 are males from Malawi, while four are males from Lesotho.

“All the arrested persons are expected to appear before the Reitz Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 9 October 2026, where they will face charges relating to contraventions of immigration legislation,” said Mophiring.

The South African Police Service said it remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to prevent and combat crime.

Police said collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders are essential to creating safer communities and saving lives.