More than 500 Zimbabweans may be in trouble after their fellow countryman was arrested and allegedly found in possession of passports and money. A multidisciplinary team, comprising the Middelburg Flying Squad, Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Team, and Waterval Boven Saps, arrested a 43-year-old Zimbabwean man who was allegedly found with a vast number of passports and a large sum of cash. The arrest resulted from information the police received on Monday at around 1 pm about a white Chevrolet Utility bakkie with a canopy.
The vehicle had Gauteng registration number plates. The team located the vehicle, and a search was conducted. They found 582 passports, some of which contained cash hidden in a compartment.
A separate cash amount of about R20 000, wrapped in a black plastic bag, was also found. “Investigation thus far suggests that the driver was probably going to meet someone the next day to have the passports stamped. Police are of the view that the recovered cash was meant for payment,” said the Saps on Wednesday.
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The suspect was charged with contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa, fraud, and money laundering. The total amount of cash in the suspect’s possession was R147 300. The bakkie driven by the suspect was also confiscated for further investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Waterval Boven Periodical Court today. On Sunday, Border Management Authority (BMA) commissioner Michael Masiapato said illegal entry into South Africa remained a major issue for authorities. “Historically, the December and January festive periods remain characterised by a significant increase in traveller volume. This always places significant pressure on our ports of entry,” said Masiapato.
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