A joint police operation has led to the arrest of a 43-year-old Zimbabwean national who was found in possession of 582 passports and more than R147 000 in cash. The multidisciplinary team consisted of the Middelburg Flying Squad, Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Team, and Waterval Boven SAPS.

According to the police, officers acted on intelligence regarding a white Chevrolet Utility bakkie with a canopy and Gauteng registration plates. The vehicle was intercepted on December 8 at about 13:00.

A search of the bakkie uncovered hundreds of passports hidden in a concealed compartment, some containing cash. Police also found an additional R20 000 wrapped in a black plastic bag. The total amount of money seized was R147 300.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect may have been scheduled to meet another individual the following day to have the passports stamped. Police believe the recovered cash was intended as payment for the illicit service.

The suspect has been charged with contravening the Immigration Act, fraud, and money laundering. The vehicle he was driving was confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.

He is expected to appear in the Waterval Boven Periodical Court today (Wednesday) to face the charges.