Owner, 9 undocumented restaurant employees arrested in Polokwane

A restaurant owner and nine undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested in Polokwane, Limpopo, during a nationwide blitz in the hospitality sector.

Employment and Labour department inspectors, immigration officers and police have raided several facilities in Polokwane.

The authorities say that some establishments have allegedly contravened the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

Department spokesperson Mapula Tloubatla says two of the arrested undocumented foreign nationals are minors.

“The ongoing inter-departmental blitz inspections in the hospitality sector today pounced on a restaurant establishment operating in Cycad Polokwane as Asian Cuisine Restaurant and takeaways. Nine undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. Of the nine, two are reported to be 15 and 17 years of age. The blitz inspections are conducted in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs immigration services and the South African Police Services.”