Construction site shut down after 50 undocumented workers arrested in Ekurhuleni blitz

A construction site in Clayville, Ekurhuleni has been shut down with immediate effect after a high-impact government operation uncovered a fraudulent permit, widespread labour law violations and the arrest of more than 50 suspected undocumented foreign nationals.

The multidisciplinary blitz led by Deputy Employment and Labour Minister, Jomo Sibiya, unfolded dramatically on Friday morning as members of the South African Police Services, Home Affairs officials and labour inspectors descended on the site in Extension 80.

Workers were seen fleeing in different directions as law enforcement cordoned off the area,  with some reportedly injuring themselves while attempting to scale perimeter walls and barbed-wire fencing.

Officials say the inspection initially targeted what is believed to be a government-linked social housing development. What inspectors uncovered, however, raised serious compliance concerns.

Authorities said around 50 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were arrested within 30 minutes of their arrival, with additional individuals still being processed by immigration officials.

The department says the site came under scrutiny after a video surfaced allegedly showing an employee boasting about the employment of undocumented workers.

Deputy Minister Sibiya stressed that employers cannot shift responsibility to subcontractors, insisting that the principal contractor remains legally accountable for all workers on site.

Inspectors also identified serious Occupational Health and Safety violations, including a lack of proper personal protective equipment, unsafe scaffolding and allegations of unpaid wages.

While the employment of undocumented workers alone may not automatically result in closure, the employer now faces fines of up to R10,000 per worker, as well as possible criminal charges linked to the fraudulent permit and safety breaches.

Sibiya acknowledged gaps in existing legislation but confirmed that amendments are being prepared for Parliament to strengthen occupational health and safety standards, tighten labour immigration policies and impose harsher penalties, including possible jail time — for repeat offenders.

He added that similar high-impact inspections will continue across Gauteng, with authorities working alongside SAPS, Home Affairs and local law enforcement to enforce compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the National Minimum Wage Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

[Happening Now]@DmJomo Sibiya, MP together with the Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni Ald Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, leading a Multidisciplinary High Impact Blitz Inspection which visited two construction sites in the area of Clayville Ext. pic.twitter.com/LW6RZ6m4Pu

— Department of Employment and Labour (@deptoflabour) February 27, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe