Investigations into cases of human trafficking, money laundering, and contravening the Immigration Act are underway by Limpopo police following the arrest of 26 people on Sunday.

Modjadjiskloof police arrested a 28-year-old man for human trafficking, two men (aged 33 and 47) for money laundering, and 23 Somalians near Mooketsi, after receiving information from two taxi associations about a white minibus taxi with 25 occupants travelling along the R81, says police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

One suspect managed to flee, says Ledwaba, explaining that when police arrived, a gold hatchback ‘stopped at the scene and the driver of the taxi got into the vehicle before it sped off’.

Ledwaba says 64 cross-border permits were discovered in the taxi.

He adds that another two men, driving a double cab bakkie, later arrived at the Modjadjiskloof Police Station and demanded the release of the 28-year-old suspect, telling police that he was being given a lift to Brits in the taxi.

“Suspicious of the vehicle, police searched the double cab and discovered bank notes amounting to R415 820 hidden underneath the seat. The police sought intervention from the departments of Home Affairs and Social Development to process cases of contravention of the Immigration Act, which involves minor suspects,” says Ledwaba.

The suspects will appear in the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

A manhunt has been launched for the suspect who fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating officer Captain Mohale Raholane at 082 445 7600 or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Information can also be reported at the nearest police station, or via the MySAPS App.