On Monday, 13 November 2023 at about 10:00, an intelligence driven disruptive operation was conducted by the Nelspruit Crime Intelligence Unit and Highway patrol along N4 and R38 roads.
The operation followed after information was received from a reliable source about a white Toyota Quantum that was transporting passengers, suspected to be undocumented persons.
The Quantum was spotted on the R38 to Low’s Creek in the area of Kaapmuiden.
The driver (33) was interviewed to determine the originality of the passengers. The driver informed the police that he was instructed to pick up people from the road to Delmas.
DPCI was summoned and took over the investigation.
Preliminarily investigation revealed that 23 undocumented persons aged between 14 and 46 were being transported. A total of 14 Pakistani and nine Bangladeshi nationals. Amongst the group, were two minors aged 14 and 17.
The driver of the Quantum was arrested on charges of Contravening the Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, Aiding and Abetting.
It was also discovered that some passengers had passports but some did not have. Those available passports were unstamped.
All suspects were detained pending their first court appearance at Barberton District Court on Wednesday, 15 November 2023. More arrest are imminent. Investigation continues.
