Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Three police officers attached to Polokwane International Airport have been arrested in South Africa for allegedly facilitating the disappearance of 46 undocumented foreign nationals, in a case that has again put a spotlight on alleged collusion between border and security officials and human smuggling syndicates.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo said the arrests were effected on Monday night by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, assisted by the Polokwane Tactical Response Team, following an extensive investigation.
SAPS spokesperson for Limpopo, Colonel Malasela Ledwaba, said in a statement on Tuesday that the three officers — two men and a woman aged between 44 and 49 — are facing charges of defeating the administration of justice and contravening Section 49 of the Immigration Act.
He said the case dates back to April 17, 2025, when a traffic officer along the N1 near Polokwane intercepted a 22 – seater Mercedes-Benz minibus transporting 46 undocumented foreign nationals.
The vehicle was escorted to the Polokwane N1 Weighbridge for processing.
“Members from SAPS Polokwane International Airport were called to assist. It is further alleged that five officers attended the scene and told the arresting traffic officer that arrangements had been made with the station commander to transport the foreign nationals to Polokwane SAPS for further processing,” he said.
“They then left with the 46 occupants. However, when the station commander and the arresting officer followed up at Polokwane SAPS, neither the officers nor the foreign nationals could be located.
“The matter was referred to the Anti-Corruption Unit. Following investigations, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the five implicated officers be charged.”
Col Ledwaba said the three accused were expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
He said efforts to locate and arrest the remaining two suspects were ongoing.
The arrests come amid growing concern among stakeholders that some South African border and security officials are allegedly working with syndicates that move undocumented migrants in and out of South Africa, using the busy Beitbridge and Limpopo corridor.
