A Mozambican national who admitted guilt to entering the country illegally was sentenced in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court to 30 days’ imprisonment or a R500 fine.
In its ruling, the court took into account the prevalence of illegal migrants in the country saying it was a serious crime that warranted sentencing which will also help to restore the public’s confidence in the rule of law.
Andries Khosa (25) who entered the country illegally in May last year was arrested by the Alexandra police while returning to his sister’s home in the township. He admitted having knowledge of regulations which require a passport for international travel and requested for mercy. The sentence took into account that he had no previous criminal record, he had two children with a girlfriend back home and that his informal employment paid him only R150 for work in clearing rubble on Saturdays.
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