Provincial traffic officers manning the Polokwane traffic control centre just outside Polokwane on the R101 made the startling discovery of 87 allegedly illegal Malawian immigrants hiding in the back of a truck which they intercepted after the driver allegedly failed to adhere to a signal to enter the control centre area yesterday (Wednesday) morning.
Department of Transport spokesperson Matomi Moremi Taueatsoala confirmed the incident and said the driver and his passengers were taken into custody. “We have handed the matter over to the Westenburg Police for further investigation,” he added.
Mienkie Ramkgoakgoa from the Provincial Police Media Centre confirmed that the suspects were in custody. “The driver has been charged with bribery and will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said adding that the matter was still under investigation.
Story: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za
Photos: Supplied
