SAPS arrest 46 illegal immigrants in Lydenburg
All of the immigrants were traveling with their belongings on the back of the trucks.
LYDENBURG – 46 Illegal immigrants were arrested following vigilant observation by an official of Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM), the local SAPS and workers of Home Affairs yesterday afternoon.
According to Capt. Alfred Moela, communications manager of Lydenburg SAPS, the suspects were apprehended after David Mkhabela of TCM got a tip-off about the vehicles transporting various people, thought to be illegal immigrants, on the back of the vehicles.
“He immediately informed Home Affairs officials, who in turned went to investigate. Ephraim Mahlangu of the department went to the scene were the trucks were stationed. The suspects, with the help of SAPS members, were arrested.”
All of the immigrants were traveling with their belongings on the back of the trucks.
The illegal immigrants include two Zambians, 14 Mozambicans, 17 Malawians and 13 Zimbabweans.
The immigrants claim that they were apparently contracted to work for a company called Optical Media Works which is supposed to installed MTN lines in Mashishing. Both trucks had Gauteng number plates.
“None of them had any required work permits or documentation. The apparent employer will also be charged accordingly,” said Moela.
They will appear in Lydenburg magistrates court on Tuesday.
