Photo credit: Africa News
South Africa continues to see a surge in the number of undocumented immigrants attempting to get smuggled into the country through some of its borders.
The South African reports that in a matter of days, close to fifty people have been recently reported to have been caught trying to enter the country irregularly. On 10 December 2024, the Border Management Authority (BMA) caught twenty-five undocumented foreign nationals in a taxi attempting to smuggle them into the country.
The taxi driver, a South African, was allegedly caught trying to smuggle 25 foreign nationals on Monday, 9 December. According to the BMA, he was arrested at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The vehicle was impounded. He was slapped with a hefty fine.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogosti 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.
He spoke about the children found and the steps taken regarding the matter. “Among them were 20 children between te ages of 5 and 14, being unlawfully transported under dangerous and inhumane conditions.
“Following standard protocols, the children were handed over to Zimbabwe child welfare authorities. This to ensure their safety and care while investigations continue.”
