One person was injured in a shootout in the Free State on Sunday when police and SA National Defence Force (SANDF) officials stopped 158 allegedly undocumented foreigners from entering the country in 16 vehicles.

The Lesotho nationals were stopped at a roadblock along the R702/R26 crossing, which is an unguarded part of the border in Wepener. The shootout ensued when they were arrested, and two firearms, as well as ammunition were recovered.

Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said, "At about 00:45, a convoy of 13 Toyota Quantums, a grey Toyota Regius, red Volkswagen Golf and grey BMW 523i approached the roadblock and the first Toyota Quantum failed to stop, as indicated by the official [at] the roadblock."

"Shots were fired from the minibus and the officials [at] the roadblock returned fire. One male was slightly injured during the crossfire and was rushed to the hospital in Bloemfontein."

Makhele said all vehicles were eventually stopped and searched.

"One hundred and fifty-eight people, including the drivers, were found to be travelling into the Republic of South Africa without proper documents allowing them to be in the country.

"A 9mm Model 75 Cal.8 PARA: Czechoslovakia pistol, with a magazine loaded with 16 live rounds, a 7.65 Walther with a magazine loaded with seven rounds, and two loose 7.65mm rounds were found hidden inside the BMW sedan," he said

"Five males, with ages ranging from 24 to 39, occupying the BMW, were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The BMW registration number plates and licence disc were also not corresponding. The total number of 158 passengers were arrested as illegal immigrants."

He said those who were arrested for the alleged possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition were expected to appear in the Wepener Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

According to Makhele, the undocumented Lesotho nationals will appear in court in batches. Processes to have them deported have already started.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, commended the police and defence force for "making sure that they stop this lawlessness which was about to take place".

"As law enforcement agencies, we will never allow a situation where people want to do as they like and not obey our laws," Motswenyane added.