A South African taxi driver has been taken into custody and issued with a conveyance fine of R375 000 for attempting to smuggle 25 undocumented people across the Beitbridge Port of Entry into South Africa on Monday.
This comes just days after Border Management Authority (BMA) officers intercepted eight Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter the country illegally without valid travel documents at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Saturday.
On Friday, vigilant BMA border guards intercepted a minibus taxi and arrested the driver for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children, aged between four and 16, from Mozambique into South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said the authority has successfully disrupted another human and child smuggling operation, demonstrating its capability to combat organised crime in ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
Mogotsi said on Monday afternoon a South African taxi driver was apprehended at the Beitbridge Port of Entry while attempting to smuggle 25 undocumented foreign nationals into the country.
“Among them were 20 children between the ages of 5 and 14, being unlawfully transported under dangerous and inhumane conditions,” she said.
According to Mogotsi, the vehicle 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.”
“Following standard protocols, the children were handed over to the Zimbabwean child welfare authorities to ensure their safety and care while investigations continue,” said Mogotsi.
Acting Commissioner of the BMA, Jane Thupana, commended the swift action of the officers involved.
"This operation highlights the BMA’s resolve to disrupt criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The trafficking and smuggling of people undermine 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," said Thupana.
Mogotsi added that the BMA continues to work closely with other law enforcement authorities to combat these illegal activities.
“The Authority calls on the public to report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking and smuggling to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected.”
The BMA toll-free hotline number is 0801 229019.