GEORGE NEWS - A homeowner at Oubaai Golf Estate has accused the George police of 'targeting' the estate after a number of incidents where immigrants working at homes in the estate have been arrested.
"It really seems as if the police is targeting our estate. The immigrants have never caused any problems in the six years we have been living here.
"They are on Oubaai's system and therefore legally enter the estate. The police is at our gate every so often and this creates a bad impression of Oubaai. I think most of the immigrants work for homeowners in their gardens or for builders.
"The overall impression among people who employ immigrants is that they are trustworthy and work hard. They contribute to the community and our economy."
The homeowner, who requested anonymity, said some of the immigrants return to the estate after being released, because "they are legally loaded onto Oubaai's system, with proof."
The homeowner's houseworker was arrested earlier this year. "She was released, but she is a nervous wreck every time the police is at the gate. Her mother is a South African and she herself was born in Roodepoort, but her father is a Malawian and she moved there as a child.
"Her birth certificate has been lost and she is just not getting anywhere at Home Affairs. Her child was also born in South Africa. She has been working for us for five years and our family is also affected emotionally by the situation."
The complainant said they have tried to get their worker documented at Home Affairs, but to no avail. "She is caught in a vicious cycle. I think police should rather apply their manpower to address serious crimes than target such people."
Caieta Grobler, Oubaai's estate manager, said the Oubaai Home-owners' Association (HOA) is responsible for controlling access to the estate for all residents, visitors, contractors, and the employees of residents and contractors.
"Currently, the primary employers are required to provide copies of their employees' details, including ID documents for South African citizens, and passports and work permits for non-South African citizens.
"Complete applications are granted access. It is the primary responsibility of employers to ensure the validity of the documentation provided."
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies said the perception that undocumented persons are being targeted is misplaced.
"Individuals are not targeted at all, however operations to curb unlawful activities are executed regularly in an effort to safeguard communities.
"These operations all over the Western Cape will be sustained in line with the policing priorities of this region. It is important to note that Oubaai's management relies on verified documentation and does not interfere with or obstruct the lawful processes of checking migrants' documentation."
He said those arrested are brought before court where a decision is made about their future.
Comment from Home Affairs is being awaited.
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