Seventeen Ethiopians and two South Africans will return to court this week over allegations of trafficking.
Alleged Ethiopian traffickers appear in court
Due to language barrier issues, last week’s proceedings were adjourned, with the accused remanded in custody pending the appointment of a court interpreter and a probe into the respective ages of the foreign nationals, who were undocumented.
The arrest of the alleged traffickers was the result of a coordinated operation by local law enforcement agencies.
On the evening of Thursday, 28 February 2024, the Middelburg Flying Squad received a tip-off about two suspicious vehicles, a grey Ford Ranger and a grey Toyota Fortuner with Gauteng plates, travelling from Groblersdal in Limpopo towards Middelburg.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, a multidisciplinary team patrolled the N11 highway towards Groblersdal.
At Botshabelo Gate, they encountered the described vehicles. Upon initiating a stop, the Ford Ranger complied, while the Toyota Fortuner fled at high speed.
“Upon searching the Ford Ranger, seventeen (17) young looking Ethiopian males were found squeezed inside. The driver was questioned. He told the team that they were following the Fortuner which was heading to Midrand in Gauteng,” Capt. Sekgotodi revealed.
What charges are they facing?
The individuals arrested are facing charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013 and the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, for their alleged involvement in human trafficking and immigration violations.
Violating the Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013 holds severe penalties for those convicted of trafficking persons for various exploitative purposes, including but not limited to forced labour, sexual exploitation, and organ removal. Conviction under this act can lead to hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences.
Additionally, they are charged under Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, Act no 13 of 2002, for contravening immigration laws. This particular section deals with the illegal entry, stay, or employment of foreigners within South Africa, aiming to regulate immigration effectively and ensure national security.
Penalties for violating the Immigration Act can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity and nature of the offence.