Nine Bangladeshi nationals caught with fake SA visas, Indian passports at OR Tambo
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has prevented nine Bangladeshi nationals from entering South Africa after they were caught with fraudulent visas and fake Indian passports at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said immigration officials detected irregularities in the travellers’ documents during processing. All nine had fraudulent South African visas purportedly issued in New Delhi. Six males initially presented fake Indian passports but later produced their Bangladeshi passports, while three females travelled on Bangladeshi passports.
The group was refused entry and arrangements were made to return them to Bangladesh.
Masiapato commended the officials’ vigilance, saying the interception “sends a clear message that South Africa’s ports of entry are protected by a capable authority.”
Investigations are underway to determine whether the nine are linked to broader criminal syndicates.
