Limpopo police arrest two foreign men suspected of human trafficking after intercepting vehicles carrying 24 undocumented Ethiopian nationals towards Gauteng province.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the initial investigation confirms ongoing smuggling operation exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit.
“All 24 immigrants face Immigration Act charges, while drivers face additional charges including human trafficking,” said Col Ledwaba.
Police Commissioner Hadebe commends officers for diligent work in combating human trafficking and exploitation.
Colonel Ledwaba stated that the suspects were traveling to Gauteng province on the R81 road after passing through Beitbridge border post.
“Officers found 24 undocumented Ethiopian males hidden in a Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai H1 with Gauteng registration numbers. Both drivers are illegal Ethiopian immigrants,” said Col Ledwaba.
He said preliminary investigation showed that the 24 immigrants, aged 18 to 40, were headed to Gauteng as part of an ongoing smuggling operation, adding they all face charges under the Immigration Act.
The two drivers, aged 28 and 30, will also face charges of human trafficking. Ledwaba praised the officers for their efforts in combating human trafficking. The suspects will appear before Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on Friday, March 1.2024
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