Hundreds of illegal immigrants arrested in S. Africa

Law enforcement agencies arrested at least 300 suspected illegal immigrants in Johannesburg on Friday, authorities said.

If the suspects did not have the relevant documentation, they would be deported to their respective countries, the Johannesburg Metro Police said.

This was one of the largest of groups of suspected illegal immigrants arrested since the government launched Operation Fiela (sweep) in April following a wave of xenophobic violence.

The suspects were rounded up during raids in the Johannesburg CBD and they would be screened for possible deportation, police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said.

Since it was launched, Operation Fiela has led to the arrests of about 10,000 suspects involved in various crimes, many of them foreigners who stay in the country illegally.

Civil rights groups have criticised the government for deliberately targeting foreign nationals, calling the operation "a disguised form of xenophobia".

Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe defended the campaign which he said was aimed at ridding the country of illegal weapons, drug dens, prostitution rings and other illegal activities.

"This multidisciplinary interdepartmental operation is contributing to the safety and security of our communities," he said at a press briefing in Pretoria on the progress and challenges pertaining to the 14 priorities of government on Friday. Endit