Smuggling operation halted at Beitbridge border
Beitbridge Border Police seized counterfeit goods in a successful sting operation near Musina Port of Entry.
The Border Police team successfully conducted an operation at Musina in the Vhembe District near the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Sunday, 3 March.
As a result, they seized counterfeit goods. They also recovered an inflatable boat believed to be used for illegal crossings of the Limpopo River between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
During the operation, the SAPS OR Tambo International Airport Border Police intercepted a smuggling attempt. They seized one inflatable boat, 25 litres of diesel, counterfeit cigarettes, and liquor smuggled between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
LAW ENFORCEMENT DISMANTLES ILLEGAL BRIDGES IN BORDER OPERATION
During the operation, law enforcement successfully dismantled homemade wooden bridges used for illegal crossings. Despite some suspects managing to evade arrest by fleeing on foot and crossing the Limpopo River.
“In a separate incident, nine male Zimbabwean nationals were apprehended by the Vhembe District Proactive Police for contravening immigration Act during a separate Vala Umgodi operation. These individuals were arrested less than 10 kilometres from Beitbridge,” stated SAPS in a statement.
HOME AFFAIRS DEPORTS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
The Department of Home Affairs Immigration Office immediately engaged in deporting the illegal immigrants.
Police investigations persist as authorities diligently pursue evidence and follow leads.