By Anna Cox and Shaun Smillie
Outrage is mounting at the Johannesburg metro police's raiding of restaurants under the pretext of checking for outstanding traffic warrants and unpaid fines.
On Friday night, officers entered Norwood restaurants demanding to see the driving licences of diners, to check if they had any outstanding warrants or fines.
No one was arrested for unpaid fines, but four illegal immigrants were caught and one man was arrested for possession of drugs.
The raid has been variously condemned as illegal, an unwarranted invasion of individual rights, intimidation and harassment.
The sweep was part of the metro police's ongoing blitz across the city in its bid to recoup the R280-million outstanding in unpaid fines.
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Since the operation began last week, 550 people have been arrested.
On Monday night, the metro police were unrepentant, warning that raids and roadblocks would continue all week.
They also warned that sweeps would be extended to homes and business premises.
However, Human Rights Commission chairperson Jody Kollapen condemned the tactics.
"The HRC supports law enforcement, but they are crossing the line if they are doing this. This would be an unwarranted invasion into the private space of an individual."
Kollapen pointed out that patrons of restaurants were under no obligation to hand metro officers their driving licence.
"You don't need a driving licence to go to a restaurant. Even if you are a passenger in a car, you don't need a licence - it is only if you are behind the wheel."
Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille was outraged.
"That's just pushing it too far. This is where people go to relax, not to be arrested. This really is an invasion."
But metro police insist the raids are lawful, and that motorists do not have to be driving to be asked to produce licences.
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