By Johnathan Paoli
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has welcomed the recent successful disruption of a human and child smuggling operation as demonstrating its capability to combat organised crime in ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
BMA acting commissioner Jane Thupana commended the swift action of the officers involved.
“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,” Thupana said.
On Monday afternoon, a South African taxi driver was apprehended at the Beitbridge Port of Entry while attempting to smuggle 25 undocumented foreign nationals into the country.
Thupana confirmed that among them were 20 children between the ages of 5 and 14, being unlawfully transported under dangerous and inhumane conditions.
She said the vehicle used in the operation was immediately impounded, the driver has been charged and is in police custody. A conveyance fine of R375,000 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.
This comes on the heels of another incident on Friday when BMA border guards intercepted a minibus taxi attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children from Mozambique, aged between 4 and 16 years, into South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry.
The driver was immediately arrested and charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry in accordance with the Immigration Act, while the rescued children were handed over to the Social Development department for care and support.
The BMA said it remained steadfast in its mission to combat illegal activities and protect the sovereignty of the country.
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