A Chinese national was arrested in Newcastle on Wednesday, 25 September 2025, after being caught transporting 48 illegal immigrants in a truck — an incident that has thrown further scrutiny on the embattled clothing and textile industry. This comes as national authorities uncover widespread violations of South African labour and safety laws during a major three-day inspection campaign.
The arrest was made shortly before midday in the Hildrop area when a farmer noticed a suspicious vehicle and alerted OPS Security.
“We checked their (the client’s) cameras, and upon seeing the truck and the individuals, we responded immediately. Upon arrival, we found the truck driver (the Chinese national) with 48 illegal immigrants whom he was transporting in the vehicle,” confirmed OPS.
Authorities believe the driver was attempting to conceal workers after hearing that the Department of Employment and Labour had launched operations in the region.
“Apparently, he was supposed to take the immigrants to a farm but got lost. It will now be investigated where he was transporting the immigrants to,” said an official source, adding that the factory owner could face human trafficking charges.
Furthermore, the arrest coincided with an intensive three-day crackdown led by Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya. The operation brought together SAPS, Home Affairs, the Bargaining Council, local traffic enforcement, and Newcastle Local Municipality officials.
Eight factories were inspected between 24 and 25 September, exposing a shocking level of non-compliance. “What we have found, is that the level of non-compliance is high. These companies are not complying with the Basic Employment Act, people do not get leave, people are not provided with payslips, no contracts, they work long hours, they are not paid for Sundays, nor are they paid for holidays,” said Sibiya.
Some employees were forced to work from 7 am until midnight, receiving as little as R45 per day. “This is a blatant violation of labour rights and an affront to human dignity,” Sibiya declared.
Furthermore, health and safety breaches were also uncovered, with unsafe gas installations, uncertified boilers, and hazardous electrical boards posing major risks. “We saw a fire a few years back in this area where employees were injured, but what we saw here can cause that to happen again,” Sibiya warned.
Across the inspections, 256 illegal immigrants were detained and are set to be deported. Four factories have since been shut down for serious violations.
Following this, Sibiya issued a sharp rebuke to factory owners: “All these companies are owned by Chinese citizens and Taiwanese citizens, who are undermining us at extreme levels, where they disregard the laws of the republic, and think they can come do as they wish in our country. That can’t continue. We are stopping it and we are working every day to change this picture for the people of the country.”
This is not the first time Newcastle’s textile industry has been flagged for misconduct this year. In July 2025, the Newcastle Municipality launched an initiative to audit 38 factories. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) also confirmed that multiple factories in the Riverside Industrial area had been unlawfully discharging untreated effluent into the sewer system, polluting local water resources with chemicals and heavy metals.
At the time, the municipality stated that the audits were aimed at compelling factories to secure permits and comply with bylaws to protect the community and environment.
The combined revelations of labour exploitation, immigration breaches, and environmental violations have forced national attention back onto Newcastle. For many residents, this enforcement drive is long overdue.
Local labour activists have welcomed the crackdown but argue that consistent monitoring is needed. “We have been raising these issues for years. Workers have been exploited, treated as disposable, and now human trafficking concerns are surfacing. If government sustains this pressure, maybe things will finally change,” said one community representative.
Meanwhile, factory owners have begun pushing back, claiming that closures will hurt local employment. However, authorities stress that unlawful practices cannot continue under the guise of job creation.
The arrest of the Chinese national transporting 48 immigrants, coupled with the detention of 256 more, has sent a clear message: Newcastle’s textile industry is under the microscope, and the days of unchecked lawlessness are numbered.
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FAQs: Newcastle Textile Factory Inspections – Key Answers:
A farmer reported a suspicious truck; the driver had gotten lost. Security and authorities found 48 illegal immigrants inside.
A Chinese national alleged to be linked to a local clothing/textile operation.
Four factories were closed for serious labour, safety, and immigration violations.
Authorities detained 256 illegal immigrants during the inspection campaign.
Unpaid overtime, no contracts or payslips, unsafe electrics/gas/boilers, and UIF non-registration were reported.
4 Responses
Are you sure there are Taiwanese factories involved?
Well its good that the factories are closed. They didnot do anything foe the Newcastle residents except employ immigrants. Its so sad, locals are without jobs and they employ other nationals. Employers that employee other nationals should face harsh fines and reopen after complying and give the jibs to locals
The truth is because of the high unemployment rate they’re exploiting people. Not just here but country wide. Unless those in charge enforce the laws it is just a piece of paper.
The right to be treated with dignity. While clearly they violate it. And even some employers from South Africa treat people inhumane.
This is shocking those poor people hope they are all deported