24 suspects arrested for contravention of the Immigrant Act

The Nelspruit Crime Intelligence and Highway Patrol launched an intelligence-driven disruptive operation along the N4 and R38 routes on Monday, November 13, 2023, at approximately 10:00.

Following word from a trustworthy source on a white Toyota Quantum carrying people who were allegedly undocumented foreign immigrants, the operation was carried out.

The Quantum was spotted on R38 to Low’s Creek in the area of Kaapmuiden.

The driver (33) was interviewed to determine the originality of the passengers. The driver informed the police that he was instructed to pick up people from the road to Delmas.

DPCI was summoned and took over the investigation.

Preliminarily investigation revealed that 23 foreign nationals aged between 14 and 46 were being transported. 14 Pakistani and 9 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 Abetting.

It was also discovered that some passengers had passports but some did not. Those available passports were unstamped.

All suspects were detained pending their first court appearance at Barberton District Court on Wednesday, 15 November 2023. More arrests are imminent. Investigation continues.