Cape Town — South African Police Services (SAPS) in Limpopo have been credited for apprehending and arrested two foreign males suspected of human trafficking.
According to a SAPS statement, the arrests took place following a thorough investigation into activities that suggested the smuggling of undocumented immigrants into South Africa.
“The operation was conducted by members of the Provincial Tracking team in collaboration with private security companies, who on accurate information, intercepted two motor vehicles at the Munnik T-junction. The suspects were en-route to Gauteng province traveling along the R81 after they passed through the Beitbridge border post,” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said.
#sapsLIM Two foreign national male suspects nabbed in Morebeng on 28/02 for #HumanTrafficking and contravention of the Immigration Act after attempt to smuggle 24 undocumented immigrants into South Africa. #CrossBorderCrimes MEhttps://t.co/KjvErXwD1N pic.twitter.com/2KVeblf3t2
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) February 29, 2024
The officers inspected the vehicles and found a total of 24 undocumented Ethiopian male nationals hidden inside a Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai H1 with Gauteng license plates. The drivers were also illegal immigrants from Ethiopia.
“Preliminary information revealed that all the 24 illegal immigrants aged between 18 and 40 were destined for Gauteng, confirming suspicions of an ongoing smuggling operation aimed at exploiting these vulnerable individuals for profit.” Ledwaba added.
The 24 individuals and the two drivers face charges of contravention of the Immigration Act, while the drivers also face charges of human trafficking.
“This arrest is a clear demonstration of our officers’ hard work and the seriousness with which we treat all forms of human trafficking and exploitation. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our country does not serve as a destination or transit point for such heinous crimes.” Said the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
The suspects will appear in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 01 March 2024.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
