South African Taxi Driver Arrested for Smuggling 25 Undocumented Foreigners
On Monday, the Border Management Authority (BMA) made a significant arrest at the Beitbridge border post. A South African taxi driver was apprehended for attempting to smuggle 25 undocumented foreigners into the country. Among the group were 20 children, ranging in ages.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed the incident, stating that the taxi involved in the smuggling attempt was impounded. Additionally, a hefty conveyance fine of R375,000 was issued as a penalty.
Following standard protocols, the children have been placed under the care of Zimbabwean child welfare authorities as investigations into the matter continue.
Minister Schreiber emphasized the BMA’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, despite facing resource constraints. The agency’s intelligence-led, collaborative, and technologically-enabled festive season operational plan is already yielding results.
BMA Rescues Children from Trafficking Ring
Last Friday, the BMA successfully rescued 14 children from a trafficking ring at the Lebombo port of entry. The children, aged between 6 and 14, were saved from a potentially dangerous situation.
Furthermore, on Saturday, eight Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at Beitbridge while attempting to enter the country without valid travel documents. The individuals were dropped off by a minibus taxi near the port and promptly arrested by BMA border guards during routine patrols.
BMA Seasonal Plan
Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato outlined the BMA’s festive season plan, which includes deploying 69 additional personnel at the busiest ports of entry to support existing staff members. This initiative complements the 400 junior border guards who have been actively working since June.
Moreover, the BMA has established a memorandum of understanding with Interpol and will collaborate with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat various cross-border crimes.
To enhance festive season operations, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has been enlisted to provide additional infrastructure such as temporary lighting, ablution facilities, special temporary barricades, and Jojo tankers for extra water supply within the ports and corridors.
