Undocumented foreign nationals were blocked by SANDF members when they tried to gain entry into South Africa illegally. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) interceptedover 1000undocumented foreign nationalsattempting to gain entry into South Africa through the Groblersbridge Border Post, outside Lephalale in Limpopo. The crowd which included women and children were arrested a day after Christmas.
SANDF spokesperson Captain Moses Semono said the unit faces a dilemma that is specific to this time of year, specifically during Christmas Eve and the Day of Goodwill. “Soldiers intercepted and arrested 1,174 undocumented persons from Zimbabwe attempting to enter South Africa through illegal border crossings. This marks the first time our members have had to manage such a massive influx during this period of the festive season,” said Semono.
Semono said during the operation, they encountered an aggressive man who stabbed one of the soldiers on the arm. “However, due to the high standard of training provided by the defence force, the soldier was able to thwart the danger and neutralise the threat without resorting to deadly force. Defence intelligence services have taken over the matter for further processing,” said Semono.
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He added that the injured soldier received immediate treatment from medics who were on standby. Meanwhile, the undocumented nationals were handed over to the South African Immigration Services.
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