South Africa continues to see a surge in the number of undocumented immigrants attempting to get smuggled the country illegally through some of our borders.
In a matter of days, the number of those recently reported to have been caught trying to enter SA illegally is close to 50. Border Management Authority (BMA) caught 25 undocumented foreign nationals in a taxi attempting to smuggle them into the country, reported IOL on 10 December 2024.
MORE CHILDREN FOUND AMONG UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS BEING SMUGGLED INTO SA
A taxi driver reported to be South African was allegedly caught trying to smuggle 25 foreign nationals on Monday, 9 December. According to BMA, he was arrested at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The man’s vehicle was impounded. He received a hefty fine. BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said:
“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.”
CHILDREN HANDED OVER TO ZIMBABWE AUTHORITIES
Mogotsi spoke about the children found, and the steps taken regarding the matter. “Among them were 20 children between the ages of 5 and 14, being unlawfully transported under dangerous and inhumane conditions.
“Following standard protocols, the children were handed over to the Zimbabwean child welfare authorities. This to ensure their safety and care while investigations continue.”
Department of Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, also posted about the thwarted smuggling on his X account. He said “the BMA’s intelligence-led, collaborative and technologically-enabled festive season operational plan” is effective. He said it is showing their determination to “restore the rule of law.” Schreiber also stated that this is despite having to deal with limited resources.
UNDOCUMENTED CHILDREN SMUGGLED AT LEBOMBO PORT OF ENTRY
The South African reported on 9 December that 14 children were found in a taxi trying to bring them into SA illegally. According to BMA, the children were handed over to the Department of Social Development.
SowetanLIVE reports that 96 undocumented children were taken in by the Department of Social Development a week ago. This was after they were rescued from a disused mine in Stilfontein.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON YOUNG CHILDREN HAVING TO GO THROUGH SUCH RISKS TO ENTER SA?
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