South African citizens Ndaedzo Philemon Tshisevhe (32) and Innocent Ramarumo (32) and 17 Ethiopians were remanded in custody by the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The accused were intercepted on February 28, travelling along the N11 from Groblersdal towards Middelburg.

During their bail application, Tshisevhe (the driver) and Ramarumo (crew) were remanded in custody after the address in Musina they gave the court could not be verified.

They further indicated that they are staying in Folovhodwe. Their case was postponed to March 25 for further verification of addresses.

The matter of the alleged illegal immigrants was divided into two court proceedings for age determination, where it was established that two are minors and 15 are adults.

The minors appeared in the Children’s Court with Social Services taking over the case. The case was remanded to March 15 and the minors were taken to Belfast Child Care Centre.

The 15 adults were transferred from Preliminary Inquiry to the Criminal Court and their matter was remanded to March 25 for legal representation.

The investigation continues.