A taxi driver, believed to have been attempting to smuggle 14 children into South Africa, was intercepted at the Mozambique border, reported Sowetan LIVE on 8 December 2024.
The arrest, which took place on Friday 6 December 2024, occurred at the Lebombo port of entry. Border Management Authority (BMA) have issued a statement regarding the arrest. They also revealed what happened to the children that were smuggled into the country.
TAXI DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO SMUGGLE 14 CHILDREN INTO SA
The spokesperson at BMA, Mmemme Mogotsi, explained the arrest of the taxi driver and the charges he was facing. “The driver was immediately arrested and charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry in accordance with the Immigration Act .”
Regarding the 14 children Mogotsi said: “The rescued children were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and support. The BMA continues to intensify its efforts to safeguard South Africa’s ports of entry and ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals.”
MORE PEOPLE CAUGHT TRYING TO ENTER THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY
Just a day after the arrest of the taxi driver eight Bangladeshi nationals tried to enter SA illegally. They were reported to be without travel documents at the Beitbridge border. The eight were caught after they were dropped by a taxi by the border. Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of BMA, had this to say about the incidents:
“These incidents highlight the critical role our border guards play in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and preventing the exploitation of our borders by criminal syndicates.
“The Border Management Authority remains steadfast in its mission to combat illegal activities and protect the sovereignty of South Africa. We are now in the festive period and our deployments have been intensified to intercept and deal with criminality in the border environment.”
Masiapato said the BMA is committed to ensuring that the ports of entry are not used to carry out any form of criminal activity. He said this includes human smuggling that targets women and children in particular.
CALL FOR CITIZENS TO PLAY THEIR PART
The Lowvelder reported that the BMA called on citizens to play their part. This can be by reporting suspicious activities near or at ports of entry. They also said the co-operation and vigilance of the community is crucial. It will help in the fight against crimes related to borders.
WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO STOP SMUGGLING AND ILLEGAL ENTRY AT OUR BORDERS?
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