A Nigerian man, married to the Deputy Executive Mayor of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Lulama Titi-Odili, has been taken into custody in Bloemfontein. The arrest follows a police raid at a guesthouse associated with the suspect, where officials discovered 28 individuals suspected of being in the country without valid documentation.
Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, announced that the arrest occurred during a coordinated effort by the South African Police Service and immigration authorities. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to address illegal migration. According to the Premier, the individuals had reportedly been staying inside the facility for a week, with food supplies being brought to them.
Authorities also seized a Nigerian passport, a South African ID, and the death certificate of a deceased South African woman from the suspect. Investigators are now looking into potential identity fraud regarding these documents. Officials from the Department of Home Affairs are currently verifying the status of the detainees, who are believed to be primarily from Nigeria and Ethiopia.
As of Tuesday, no formal charges had been filed, and Deputy Executive Mayor Titi-Odili has not publicly addressed the situation. This event has heightened local political sensitivity, as residents in Bloemfontein and other areas continue to protest for tighter border controls.
