Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba was present when several undocumented Zimbabwean nationals were arrested during a law enforcement operation at the Groblersbrug Weighbridge in the Waterberg district on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
The operation comes after a recent rise in undocumented migration.
During the festive season, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) stopped 1,174 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals in Limpopo in just one day.
At the Groblersbrug operation, officials stopped a vehicle and found three Zimbabwean nationals in the back who could not show valid documents.
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA) were also present.
Speaking to the group, Premier Ramathuba said the operation was meant to enforce the law, not to target foreigners.
“We are not xenophobic. We love you. Our origin, we are all coming from the north why should I have a problem with a fellow African? The problem is these ones [undocumented foreigners].”
Law enforcement officials also stopped a minibus taxi carrying Zimbabwean nationals who could not provide valid documents.
The driver apologised, but Premier Ramathuba warned that anyone who helps undocumented migrants will also be held accountable.
“You have broken the law; you must face the law. You are assisting people in breaking the law. I wish I could be in that court appearance of yours so that we can set an example.”
Ramathuba added that economic hardship cannot be used to justify criminal behaviour.
“We don’t solve problems by breaking the law. You don’t say, because I am unemployed, I must go and hijack cars and kill people. We know the challenges.”
Ramathuba gained notoriety in Zimbabwe in August 2022 when she publicly berated a Zimbabwean patient in Limpopo, accusing foreign nationals of “killing” the health system and telling the patient they were a burden on South African taxpayers.
The incident sparked widespread outrage in Zimbabwe and beyond, and was widely condemned as xenophobic and unprofessional.
At the time, Ramathuba was serving as the MEC for Health before becoming Premier of the province.
