The Police in South Africa have arrested over nine thousand suspects in an anti-crime operation launched early April following a wave of xenophobic violence. Among the suspects, more than one thousand were arrested for illegal stay in the country while others were accused of crimes such as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, murder and drug trafficking. Acting spokesperson of the cabinet, PHUMLA WILLIAMS told a press briefing in Pretoria that the operation is intended to rid the country of criminal elements, while opponents criticize it as targeting migrants.
WILLIAMS argued the operation continues to adhere to the immigration laws. Meanwhile, reports say the Police have screened over six thousand individuals awaiting deportation from April to July.
