JOHANNESBURG – Vigilance is how the Border Management Authority (BMA) halted a suspected human trafficking operation.
A group of 14 Ethiopians were apprehended at the OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday. The nine women and five men roused suspicions that something about their entry into South Africa was amiss.
Spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi says the group was flagged after officials noticed that their travel plans did not make sense.
They allegedly claimed they were in transit, however, details showed they were likely returning to South Africa.
Meanwhile, 16 Bangladeshi men were caught after trying to slip into the queue meant for South African citizens.
Mogotsi says official acted swiftly when they noticed something was amiss and found they had fake visas.
The matter has been handed over to the police for further investigations.
This time of the year sees more attempts at illegal entry and organised crime across borders, says Mogotsi.
Additional resources have been deployed at the country's ports of entry.