Johanessburg - More than 100 construction workers have been arrested at a site in Soweto for working in SA illegally.
At the massive building development project in Protea Glen Extension 28, bricklayers, plumbers and subcontractors were hard at work on Thursday trying to catch up the time that was lost on Wednesday.
Police spokeswoman Nonhlanhla Khumalo confirmed that 110 workers were arrested on Wednesday afternoon. This was after a massive operation conducted by the Department of Home Affairs.
Workers at the site said their colleagues were arrested after failing to produce correct identification documents.
“Seven workers were later released after producing correct documentation on the day. Other workers are still in custody and will appear in court soon,” said Khumalo.
They will face charges of illegal immigration.
A construction worker at the site said workers were disappointed by the arrest of their colleagues.
“We need them here at work. They are not criminals, but workers trying to make a living to support their families,” said the worker, who did not want to be named.
Home affairs spokesman Modiri Matthews said 94 workers would be deported to their countries. They would remain in custody before being deported in the next 30 to 120 days.
“We will also charge the employers,” he said.
The Star