A human trafficking ring targeting Kenyans, Ethiopians, and Zambian nationals was exposed by South African authorities on Saturday.
Media reports indicate that 2 South African men were arrested for their involvement in smuggling 8 illegal immigrants into the country.
Reports also indicate that the security officers intercepted the vehicle the victims were being transported in at Gauteng, a province located in the Northeastern part of South Africa.
As per standard procedure, the 8 illegal immigrants were also arrested by the Crime Intelligence Unit with help from private security officers.
South African authorities led by Police Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba revealed that the human trafficking ring had become rampant at Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe.
“Leads were followed and the described vehicle was spotted traveling along the N1 North. The vehicle was tactically stopped and searched and police discovered eight illegal immigrants, who are all men, and two South African males, a driver and his passenger,” a statement from the police read in part.
According to Ledwaba the foreign nationals are aged between 18 and 25 years old.
The 8 foreign nationals will appear before a South African court next Tuesday, September 26, where they will answer charges on Contravention of the Immigration Act. Meanwhile, the 2 South Africans are facing human trafficking charges.
Ledwaba revealed that the foreign nationals had refused to give a satisfactory explanation about their origin and destination.
Despite their refusal to speak, preliminary investigations have already revealed they are from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
South African authorities believe that the eight are among many being smuggled through Limpopo, a South African province bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
According to South African law, the foreigners will be held in detention for up to 90 days.
If found guilty, they will be liable to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine.
