Human trafficking: 23 Somalian nationals among 26 arrested on R81
Sixty four cross-border permits were discovered in a minibus taxi travelling on the R81 on Saturday that led to the arrest of 26 people and one person evading arrest.
LIMPOPO – Investigations into cases of human trafficking, money laundering and contravention of the Immigration Act are currently underway by Limpopo police following the arrest of 26 people on Sunday.
The police in Modjajiskloof arrested a 28-year-old male for human trafficking, two males (age 33 and 47-years-old) for money laundering and 23 foreign nationals near Mooketsi after receiving information from two taxi associations about a white minibus taxi travelling along the R81 with 25 occupants.
“Upon arrival, the police discovered two South African male suspects, the driver of the taxi and his accomplice as well as another male with 23 Somalian suspects. A gold hatchback then stopped at the scene and the driver of the taxi got into the vehicle before it sped off and the suspect evaded arrest,” police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said.
He added that 64 cross-border permits were discovered in the taxi.
At a later stage, Ledwaba said another two male suspects driving a double cab bakkie arrived at the Modjadjiskloof Police Station and demanded the release of the 28-year-old suspect, telling police that the suspect 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 in cash hidden underneath the seat. The police sought departmental intervention from the Departments of Home Affairs and Social Development to process the cases of contravention of immigration act which involves minor suspects,” he said.
A manhunt has been launched for the suspect who fled the scene and anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer Captain Mohale Raholane at 082 445 7600, the nearest police station, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPSApp.
The arrested suspects will appear before the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
