Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH Africa’s police Anti-Smuggling Team intercepted 20 Ethiopians who had been smuggled into the country following a high-speed chase and shootout with their transporter.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, said the group was arrested on Tuesday in the Mahwelereng police area and charged with violating immigration laws.
“Police received intelligence information regarding a white Ford Ranger double cab truck that was allegedly smuggling illegal foreign nationals from Beitbridge Point of Entry (POE) and heading to Johannesburg, Gauteng province,” he said.
“The members operationalised the information about the vehicle, which entered the country in the early hours, and immediately commenced investigations to locate it. The vehicle was intercepted along the N11 public road, next to Harry Oppenheimer High School under the Mahwelereng precinct.
“An attempt was made to stop the Ford Ranger, but the driver did not comply and drove off at high speed. A car chase ensued, and shots were fired at the police, who returned fire until the vehicle lost control and stopped in nearby bushes. The driver and one passenger jumped out and fled on foot to evade arrest.”
Lt Col Thakeng said the vehicle was searched, leading to the discovery of 20 Ethiopian men aged between 18 and 44 years, who failed to produce valid travel documents.
The group was immediately arrested, with two individuals sustaining injuries during the shootout. The white Ford Ranger used in the crime was also seized.
“Police have opened multiple cases, including human smuggling, contravention of the Immigration Act, attempted murder, and reckless and negligent driving,” he added.
A manhunt for the two suspects who evaded arrest is underway. Anyone with information is urged to contact Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on +27827492233, Crime Stop on +27860010111, their nearest police station, or the MySAPSApp.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court soon. They face charges of contravening the Immigration Act. Police investigations are ongoing.
This incident follows the recent interception of another group of 25 Ethiopians who were smuggled into South Africa from Zimbabwe. They were being transported in two vehicles by armed men believed to be part of a human smuggling syndicate that moves immigrants from the Horn of Africa into South Africa.
In Zimbabwe, the Department of Immigration, with the assistance of other security agents, has been intercepting Ethiopians, Somalis, Congolese, Eritreans, and citizens of countries north of the Zambezi River during their journey south of the Limpopo.
It is understood that these individuals enter Zimbabwe through illegal crossing points in the northern and eastern parts of the country. According to security sources, the Limpopo River is the main barrier for their trek to South Africa, leading to their interception at the border or on roads leading to illegal crossing points along the river.
Online Reporter