Taxi driver arrested for transporting illegal foreigners – BMA

BMA

Cape Town — A taxi driver was arrested last week after allegedly trying to smuggle dozens of undocumented foreign nationals, including 20 children, into the country from Zimbabwe.

According to the Border Management Authority (BMA), recent operations at the Beitbridge and Lebombo Ports of Entry resulted in significant breakthroughs in stopping illegal activities.

“On Friday, 6 December, vigilant BMA border guards intercepted a minibus taxi attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children from Mozambique, aged between 4 and 16 years, into South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry. The driver was immediately arrested and charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry in accordance with the Immigration Act. The rescued children were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and support,” the BMA’s Mmemme Mogotsi said.

Another incident occurred on Saturday 7 December when eight Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at Beitbridge Port of Entry while attempting to enter the country illegally without any valid travel documents.

Mogotsi said the children were transported under inhumane and dangerous conditions.

“The vehicle that was used in the operation was immediately impounded. The driver has been charged and is in police custody. And a conveyance fine of R375,000 has been issued in accordance with the Immigration Act,” EWN quoted Mogotsi as saying.

According to TimesLIVE, standard protocols were observed and the children were handed over to the Zimbabwean child welfare authorities for their safety, while investigations continued.
BMA acting commissioner, Jane Thupana, said the operation highlighted the BMA’s efforts to disrupt criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people.
“The trafficking and smuggling of people undermines human dignity and border security and the BMA remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard South Africa’s ports of entry and protect those at risk,” she said. 

Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, said the taxi was impounded and a R375 000 conveyance fine was issued, according to The Citizen,

“Despite resource constraints, the BMA’s intelligence-led, collaborative and technologically-enabled festive season operational plan is already sending a clear message that we are determined to restore the rule of law,” Schreiber said.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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