Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has hailed the Border Management Authority’s (BMA’s) festive season operational plan, saying tactical breakthroughs were being seen after attempts to smuggle 47 undocumented people in the past four days, the majority of them children, were thwarted.

A South African taxi driver was arrested at the Beitbridge border post on Monday afternoon while transporting 20 children along with five other people into the country from Zimbabwe.

BMA acting commissioner Jane Thupana said the children between the ages of 5 and 14 were unlawfully ferried under dangerous and inhumane conditions.

“The vehicle used in the operation was immediately impounded, the driver has been charged and is in police custody, and a conveyance fine of R375000 has been issued in accordance with the Immigration Act. Following standard protocols, the children were handed over to the Zimbabwean child welfare authorities to ensure their safety and care while investigations continue,” said Thupana.

At the weekend, a driver coming from Mozambique attempted to smuggle 14 undocumented children aged between 4 and 16 years old into the country. The driver was immediately arrested at the Lebombo port of entry and charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry, in accordance with the Immigration Act.

The rescued children were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and support.

Border guards also intercepted eight Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter the country without valid travel documents after they were allegedly dropped off by a minibus taxi near the Beitbridge border post.

Thupana said this trend was starting to increase but their officials were demonstrating the capability to combat organised crime at the ports of entry.

“This operation highlights the BMA’s resolve to disrupt criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The trafficking and smuggling of people undermine human dignity and border security, and the BMA remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard South Africa’s ports of entry and protect those at risk. The BMA continues to work closely with other law enforcement authorities to combat these illegal activities,” she said.

Schreiber said the BMA’s festive season operational plan has achieved its first major tactical breakthroughs.

“The Border Management Authority struck another blow for the rule of law, apprehending a South African taxi driver attempting to smuggle 25 undocumented foreign nationals into the country.

“Despite resource constraints, the BMA’s intelligence-led, collaborative and technologically-enabled festive season operational plan is already sending a clear message that we are determined to restore the rule of law.”

To report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking or smuggling of people contact the toll-free hotline number at 0801 229019.

Cape Times