Durban — The eThekwini Municipality has reportedly launched a coordinated operation aimed at verifying the legal documentation of foreign nationals residing within the metro, with municipal buses being used to transport individuals for processing and compliance checks.
According to reports, the initiative forms part of broader efforts by local authorities to ensure that all residents possess the correct legal documentation and are registered through the appropriate immigration and municipal channels. Officials say the operation is intended to support law enforcement and administrative processes linked to immigration compliance.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing groups of foreign nationals being escorted onto municipal buses during the operation. However, tensions allegedly arose in some areas as certain individuals reportedly refused to board the buses or cooperate with officials conducting the verification process.Municipal authorities have not yet released a full statement detailing the scope of the operation, the number of individuals involved, or the departments participating in the initiative.
It also remains unclear whether arrests or detentions have been made in connection with the operation.Community reactions have been mixed, with some residents supporting stricter documentation checks, while others have raised concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals and the potential for intimidation or misunderstanding during enforcement activities.
Human rights observers and community organisations are expected to monitor the situation closely as the operation continues across parts of the municipality.Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
