A major police raid in Mangaung has resulted in the arrest of the husband of a senior metro politician after authorities allegedly discovered 28 undocumented foreign nationals being housed at a local property, sparking political controversy amid nationwide protests against illegal immigration.

The arrest took place earlier on Tuesday following information received by investigators about a property suspected of being used as a safe house for undocumented foreign nationals.

Police descended on the premises and found 28 foreign nationals from different countries, who were also taken into custody for processing.

The arrest comes as citizen-led movements across South Africa staged nationwide protest marches demanding stricter action against undocumented foreign nationals.

The development has sent shockwaves through the Free State, with Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae confirming that preliminary investigations indicated the individuals had been staying at the property for about seven days.

The Premier further revealed that the property allegedly belongs to a senior politician in the Mangaung region.

“What is also concerning is that the owner of the guesthouse is one of the senior politicians in the region of Mangaung. That's where it is really worrying, but for now the police are still doing their work,” she said.

Letsoha-Mathae added that the politician's husband had not yet been formally charged and would be transported to the nearest police station for processing while investigations continue. He is expected to appear in Bloemfontein magistrate court soon.