Syndicate busted

Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
Police have arrested seven men believed to be part of an illegal migration syndicate, and who recently kidnapped 30 illegal immigrants, including three children. The officer commanding Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Patrick Majuta, said the suspects were arrested on Monday near Panda Mine.

He said they were part of a group of 10 people who held 30 migrants captive for three days after promising to help them illegally cross into South Africa through Beitbridge Border Post.

Chief Supt Majuta said three other suspects were on the run.
He said the suspects were from Tsholotsho (two), Chipinge (two), Masvingo, Zaka and Chirumhanzi and would appear in court soon.
“Among the victims were two infants aged one year, one aged two years and another one aged five years,” Chief Supt Majuta said.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects, who were travelling in three vehicles, a Toyota Quantum, Nissan Hardbody and a Toyota Hilux, were engaged by the complainants at the weekend and they promised to facilitate their illegal migration to South Africa through the border post.”

Chief Supt Majuta said instead of taking the victims to the border post, the suspects drove to a homestead in Phepu Village near Panda Mine where they held them hostage for three days.

He said the gang stripped the migrants of their cellphones and assaulted them.