Man appears in court on human trafficking
Police in Modjadjiskloof have arrested a 28-year-old man for human trafficking in Mooketsi along the R81 road after they were alerted by two taxi associations on Sunday, October 29.
Two more suspects (33 and 47) were arrested for money laundering and 23 male foreign nationals for contravening the Immigration Act. Police say members of two taxi associations stopped a Toyota Quantum travelling along the R81 road in a southward direction with 25 occupants. On arrival, police found the driver of the Quantum and his accomplice (28) with 23 Somali nationals.
While attending to the scene, a gold VW Golf suddenly pulled up and the driver of the Quantum got into the Golf and sped off from the scene. Police discovered 64 cross-border permits in the Quantum, said Brig Hlulani Mashaba, Limpopo spokesperson. Later at the police station in Modjadjiskloof, two men (33 and 47), arrived at the station driving a white Toyota Hilux double-cab and demanded that the 28-year-old accomplice be released, saying he was given a lift to Brits in the North-West in the Quantum.
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Police became suspicious of the car and discovered R415 820 in cash hidden underneath a seat. The Department of Home Affairs and Social Development was contacted to assist with the Somalis as there were minors among them, police say. Police have started a manhunt for the suspects who fled the scene in the gold VW Golf.
Anyone with information that can assist in arresting the suspects should contact the investigating officer, Capt Mohale Raholane at 082 445 7600, alternatively report to the nearest police station or call to crime stop number at 08600 10111. It can also be shared anonymously on MySAPSApp. The three arrested men appeared in the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, October 31. The outcome of the court case was not known at the time of going to print.
