A multi-disciplinary operation on the N3 in Mooi River in the Midlands nabbed several illegal truck drivers and undocumented Malawian migrants including women and children.
Image: Jomo Sibiya
A dramatic overnight multidisciplinary law enforcement operation on the N3 near Mooi River resulted in the arrest of several illegal truck drivers and the interception of two trucks carrying undocumented suspected Malawian nationals, including women and young children.
The operation brought together Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa and Mpofana Mayor Maureen Magubane in a coordinated crackdown on non-compliance across several sectors.
Authorities said the operation targeted the trucking industry, which they described as a sector plagued by widespread non-compliance with labour, immigration and road traffic laws.
According to officials, several truck drivers were arrested for allegedly operating illegally. During the operation, some drivers attempted to evade law enforcement by diverting onto back roads. However, officers anticipated the move and intercepted two trucks transporting a large group of suspected undocumented Malawian nationals.
Some of the suspected undocumented Malawians that were found in a truck at a roadblock in Mooi River headed in the direction of Durban.
Image: Jomo Sibiya
Officials said women and young children were among those found in the vehicles, raising concerns about possible human trafficking or the unlawful transportation of migrants.
The truck drivers were arrested, while the undocumented individuals were taken to police stations for processing in accordance with immigration laws.
In one incident, a suspect allegedly attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended by police officers.
The operation forms part of government's intensified efforts to enforce labour, immigration and road traffic legislation.
Officials said compliance remains the priority and warned that law enforcement agencies would continue conducting similar operations across the province, insisting that the state would not relent in ensuring that South Africa's laws are upheld.
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