A major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking and illegal immigration took place in Mahwelereng on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, when the Provincial Anti-Smuggling Team arrested 20 Ethiopian nationals.
High-speed police chase
According to South African Police Services, the police received intelligence information regarding the vehicle, which was allegedly transporting illegal foreign nationals from the Beitbridge Border Post to Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, stated, “Police members operationalised the information about the bakkie that entered the country in the early hours and immediately commenced with the investigations to locate it until it was intercepted along the N11 public road, next to Harry Oppenheimer High School under Mahwelereng precinct.”
The vehicle was reportedly smuggling foreign nationals from the Beitbridge Border Post to Johannesburg.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off, triggering a high-speed chase.
During the pursuit, the occupants opened fire on police, who returned fire, causing the driver to lose control and crash into nearby bushes.
Escape and Arrests
Following the confrontation, the driver and an unidentified passenger fled the scene on foot and remain at large.
A manhunt is currently underway to locate and apprehend them.
Police searched the vehicle and found 20 Ethiopian men, aged between 18 to 44.
The men could not produce valid documentation allowing their stay in South Africa.
Police arrested all individuals for contravening the Immigration Act.
Two detainees sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire and officers transported them to the hospital under police guard.
Ongoing Investigation
According to IOL, authorities seized the white Ford Ranger bakkie used in the commission of the crime.
Police have laid multiple charges, including human smuggling, contravening the Immigration Act, attempted murder, and reckless and negligent driving.
The suspects are set to appear in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on March 19.
Police have intensified efforts to locate the fugitive suspects and are investigating potential links to broader human smuggling networks operating in the province.
Limpopo law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to dismantling organised crime syndicates facilitating illegal migration and human trafficking.
What do you think about this significant breakthrough?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
