US slams South Africa over Kenyan arrests

The United States has demanded answers from the South African government following a raid on a centre processing US-bound refugee applications in Johannesburg, during which seven Kenyan nationals were arrested.

According to CNN, the US government is “seeking immediate clarification from the South African government” and expects “full cooperation and accountability,” State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott was quoted as saying.

Pigott told CNN said: “We’ll have more to say once all the facts are confirmed, but the Trump Administration will always stand up for US interests, US personnel, and the rule of law.

“Interfering in our refugee operations is unacceptable.”

Earlier on Wednesday, IOL reported that the Department of Home Affairs has arrested seven Kenyan nationals for illegally working in South Africa while in possession of tourist visas, following an intelligence-driven operation in Johannesburg.

According to a media statement issued on Wednesday, the operation was conducted in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies after intelligence reports indicated that Kenyan nationals had recently entered the country on tourist visas and taken up employment at a centre processing applications for “refugees” to the United States.

On Wednesday, the Department of Home Affairs said applications submitted for Kenyan nationals to legally perform the work of vetting US-bound refugees in South Africa had previously been declined, yet the individuals were found engaging in employment in violation of their visa conditions.

The seven Kenyan nationals were arrested, issued with deportation orders and will be barred from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years.