In Limpopo, South Africa, a significant police operation led to the arrest of 25 undocumented foreign nationals, including 23 Ethiopian men, and the apprehension of two South African men for human trafficking and bribery. This incident marks another instance of the growing concern over illegal immigration and human smuggling in the region.
On January 29, 2024, law enforcement officials in Sebayeng, Limpopo, detained a group of men aged between 20 and 44 years near Polokwane. The operation was a collaborative effort between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security companies, following a tip-off about suspicious activities involving a white Toyota Quantum minibus.
The Quantum, originating from the Beitbridge border post, a key entry point from Zimbabwe to South Africa, was intercepted at a filling station along the R81 Road in Sebayeng. Inside, the police discovered 23 Ethiopian nationals, aged between 20 and 38, who were illegally smuggled into South Africa from Ethiopia via Zimbabwe. The driver, a 44-year-old South African, was taken into custody.
During the operation, a second vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner driven by another South African male, arrived at the scene. The driver allegedly offered the officers a bribe of R5,000 to release the Quantum and its passengers. This second individual was promptly arrested and charged with bribery.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the provincial spokesperson for SAPS in Limpopo, confirmed the seizure of a licensed firearm from the Quantum’s driver and noted that the investigation was ongoing. The arrested individuals face charges related to human trafficking, bribery, and violations of the Immigration Act.
Major General Jan Scheepers, acting provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, commended the law enforcement teams for their vigilance and dedication. The 25 detainees are scheduled to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court.
This incident mirrors a similar case reported by IOL in November, where 23 foreign nationals from Pakistan and Bangladesh were found packed in a Toyota Quantum in Mpumalanga. That operation was a collaborative effort between the SAPS crime intelligence and highway patrol units in Nelspruit, based on information from a reliable source.
These cases highlight the persistent challenge of human trafficking and illegal immigration in South Africa, particularly in regions bordering neighboring countries. They underscore the importance of intelligence-driven operations and cross-agency collaboration in addressing these complex issues.
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