At least 35 people were rescued from human trafficking at the Lebombo Border Post on Sunday.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Jackie Macie, said the victims, including 25 adults and 10 children, were rescued during an intelligence-driven operation.
The victims were being smuggled into South Africa in two minibus taxis.
“We have arrested two [drivers of] minibus taxis who were carrying undocumented foreign nationals from Mozambique. We are happy that this operation was a success,” Macie told Newzroom Afrika.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli confirmed the arrest, saying it was a joint effort by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Border Police, and other partners.
The operation began after police received a tip-off about the taxis.
“The investigation is still at a sensitive stage because in any such instances you’ll have other people involved, so the investigation is ongoing to ensure that they’re also brought to book. There isn’t much information that we can share at the moment,” Mdhluli said.
The two drivers will appear in court on Monday to face human trafficking charges.
Compiled By Staff Writer
Pictured Above: Vehicles entering South Africa at the Lebombo Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique.
Source: X
