Mohale FM Lesotho’s Consulate in Durban, South Africa, has confirmed that several Basotho working in factories were arrested during a police operation aimed at flushing out illegal immigrants living in the country without proper documentation.
Speaking on the matter, Lesotho’s Consul in Durban, Mr Rapelang Thuela, said that from last weekend up to yesterday, a total of 28 Basotho were arrested during the operation.
Mr Thuela further revealed that among those detained are 19 Basotho who were arrested in November last year and are still awaiting sentencing by the courts.
He expressed concern that repeated arrests of Basotho nationals continue to complicate the work of the consulate, noting that some individuals are arrested multiple times after re-entering South Africa without valid documents.
Mr Thuela appealed to the Government of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, to expedite the issuance of passports and assist citizens in obtaining proper documentation that would allow them to work legally in South Africa.
He urged Basotho seeking employment abroad to ensure they follow legal channels to avoid arrest and detention.
