Sibusiso Malwane (33), who was allegedly driving a 15-seater minibus transporting 23 adult illegal immigrants and two minors when he was arrested, was granted bail in the Low’s Creek Periodical Court in Mpumalanga yesterday.

According to Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, Malwane was arrested by the Flying Squad on the R38/Barberton Road on November 13.

“They stopped a white Toyota Quantum with tinted windows, allegedly driven by the accused, and allegedly found 23 illegal immigrants in the 15-seater. Among the occupants were 14 Pakistani nationals, nine Bangladeshi nationals and two minors,” she says.

“When inspecting the vehicle, the police officers discovered that it was custom-made to accommodate the victims. In that Quantum, only the seat behind the driver and the back seat were intact, and the middle seats were removed. The accused was subsequently arrested and remanded in custody.”

Nyuswa says during the bail application, which the state opposed, the court found that there were exceptional circumstances that permitted the accused to be released on bail.

He was granted bail of R3 000 on certain conditions, including that he must surrender his passport to the investigating officer before paying bail.

Malwane must also report to the Tonga Police Station twice a week, inform the investigating officer when leaving Mpumalanga, attend court until the matter is finalised, and must not commit any offences while on bail.

The case was postponed to February 15 next year, for further investigation.