Cape Town – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested at least 158 Lesotho nationals who attempted to enter South Africa without proper documentation over the weekend.
In a statement, police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said that the SANDF and SAPS on Sunday manned a roadblock at the R702/R26 crossing in Wepener, which is an unguarded section of South Africa’s border with Lesotho.
“At about 00:45 the convoy of thirteen (13) Toyota Quantums, a Grey Toyota Regious, Red Volkswagen Golf and Grey BMW 523i approached the roadblock and the first Toyota Quantum failed to stop as indicated by the official on the roadblock. Shots were fired from the minibus and the officials on the roadblock returned fire. One male was slightly injured during the cross-fire and rushed to the hospital in Bloemfontein,” said Makhele.
All vehicles were eventually stopped and searched. A total of 158 undocumented passengers travelling to South Africa were discovered. They were arrested as illegal immigrants.
“Five (5) 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 license disc were also not corresponding,” Makhele said.
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The suspects were set to appear in Wepener Magistrate Court, Free State on Tuesday.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane applauded the joint effort by the SAPS and SANDF members in rooting out lawlessness in the country.
“We commend joint efforts by the SAPS and South African National Defence Force, in 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,” said Motswenyane.
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
