Truck Driver Charged After 51 People, Including 28 Undocumented Foreign Nationals Are Found in His Truck
In a disturbing discovery, Free State authorities intercepted a truck on the N1 highway south of Bloemfontein, uncovering 51 individuals, including 28 undocumented foreign nationals. Among them were four children, one as young as nine months old.
The operation, conducted on Sunday, 22 December 2024, forms part of the province’s ongoing Safer Festive Season campaign.
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Suspicious Noises Lead to Startling Discovery
According to The Citizen, Provincial Inspectors Moses-Mqekelana and Montoeli conducted a roadside checkpoint that day, stopping a truck with two trailers. Upon hearing suspicious noises from the rear trailer, the inspectors instructed the driver to open the curtain side.
Inside, they found 47 adults and four children, all being transported under unsafe conditions. The passengers were disembarked at a nearby filling station, and police were called to the scene.
Undocumented Foreign Nationals Arrested
Police investigations revealed that 28 of the passengers were undocumented foreign nationals from Lesotho. This included 26 men and two women, all of whom were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.
The truck driver, lacking an operating license for passenger transportation, was also charged. His vehicle was impounded as part of the ongoing crackdown.
MEC Warns Against Illegal Operations
Free State MEC Jabu Mbalula condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the transport sector.
“We advise truck operators to constantly monitor their vehicles to prevent such illegal operations by drivers. Vigilance is crucial in preventing these types of incidents and ensuring the safety of all road users,” Mbalula stated.
Part of Broader Festive Season Efforts
The Free State government has been intensifying its efforts to combat illegal transportation and immigration during the festive season.
OFM reported that over 100 unlicensed drivers and undocumented immigrants have been arrested since the campaign began. In one instance, a foreign national was discovered hiding in a bus engine compartment en route to Zimbabwe.
Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale expressed confidence in the operations, saying,
“I believe South Africa will experience a wonderful festive season, not just for locals but also for visitors.”