Labour and Home Affairs officials uncovered a concealed manhole and tunnel at a plastics factory in Vereeniging, allegedly used by undocumented foreign workers to hide during inspection raids. Four Chinese managers were taken in for questioning and at least one undocumented worker was detained.

Authorities say the factory has repeatedly ignored labour and safety laws. Operations have been halted while inspectors probe suspected human rights abuses, unsafe conditions and possible breaches of immigration and municipal rules.