MPUMALANGA: On Monday, 13 November 2023 at about 10:00, an intelligence driven disruptive operation was conducted by the Nelpruit Crime Intelligence and Highway patrol along N4 and R38 roads.
The operation followed after information was received from a reliable source about a white Toyota Quantum that was transporting passengers suspected to be undocumented foreign nationals. The Quantum was spotted on R38 to Low’s Creek in the area of Kaapmuiden.
The driver (33) was interviewed to determine the origionality of the passangers. The driver informed the police that he was instructed to pick people from the road to Delmas. DPCI was summoned and took over the investigation.
Preliminarily investigation reveal that 23 foreign nationals aged between 14 and 46 were being transported. Fourteen (14) Pakistani and (09) Bangladeshi nationals. Amongst the group, were two minors aged 14 and 17 years old.
The driver of the Quantum was arrested on charges of Contravening the Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, Aiding and Abbetting.
It was also discovered that some passengers had passports but some did not have. Those available passports were unstamped.
All suspects were detained pending their first court appearance at Barberton District Court on Wednesday, 15 November 2023. More arrest are imminent. Investigation continues.