The Department of Home Affairs’ immigration division in Paarl led an operation on Friday that saw eight foreign nationals employed by Checkers Sixty60 arrested.
This division looked into illegal foreign nationals employed by, among others, logistics and security industries. This immigration operation led by the Head of Immigration in the Western Cape, Assistant Director Rencia Valentine, in conjunction with its law-enforcement partners such as Paarl police and security regulation body PSIRA.
According to a trusted insider in the department, officials were conducting inspections at Checkers Drakenstein when they came across eight illegal foreign nationals working for the delivery company Sixty60.
The men were then arrested. A security officer was also arrested and his supervisor taken into custody for questioning, but said to have been released later.
The suspects, who appeared in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 May, are currently being held in the Paarl holding cells, according to police spokesperson Capt Louise du Plessis. However, she added it is a matter to be confirmed by the Department of Labour.
The same insider into the investigation added: “The department will investigate more companies that have been hiring motorcycle-delivery personnel, as it has come to their attention that most of these operators are illegal immigrants.”
By law, any entity that employs a foreigner must verify the worker is permitted to do so by the Department of Home Affairs, as it is illegal to employ, provide business opportunities or lease property to an illegal foreigner.
An inquiry was sent to the department, but no response had been received by the time of publication.
A spokesperson for Shoprite-Checkers responded that this was a police matter, so they could not comment. However, “the group always gives full cooperation to any investigation by the police.”
As for the logistics operators, they undergo a thorough vetting process before being contracted to provide this service to the supermarket chain.
“Company policy requires a valid driver’s licence and registration with the South African Revenue Services (SARS),” the Shoprite-Checkers spokesperson said. “If the contracted driver is a foreign national they also require the necessary documents to work in South Africa.”
Furthermore, as for complaints relating to robust drivers, the Sixty60 drivers “receive extensive on-board and comprehensive training covering a wide spectrum of aspects including advanced driving skills, defensive driving techniques, safety protocols and accident procedures, and anti-hijacking driving techniques.”
The supermarket chain also pointed out the importance of safe driving disciplines are continuously reiterated among the various driving teams, to improve any shortcomings drivers may have. Members of the public who wish to compliment good or report bad driving behaviour can do so by calling 0800 00 6060.
