High-speed chase leads to major human trafficking bust in Limpopo; two injured

In a major crackdown on human trafficking, Limpopo's Anti-Smuggling Operation intercepted 20 foreign nationals who were allegedly being smuggled into the country illegally.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, stated that officers acted on intelligence about a white Ford Ranger Double Cab bakkie allegedly smuggling undocumented foreign nationals from the Beitbridge Point of Entry to Johannesburg.

Thakeng said that the white Ford Ranger Double Cab bakkie entered the country early on Tuesday morning. Acting on tip-offs, officers tracked the vehicle until it was intercepted along the N11.

“The members operationalised the information about the bakkie that entered the country in the early hours and immediately commenced with the investigations to locate it until it was intercepted along the N11 public road, next to Harry Oppenheimer High School under Mahwelereng precinct.”

Thakeng added that when officers attempted to stop the bakkie, the driver refused to comply and sped off, prompting a high-speed chase. Unexpectedly, shots were fired during the pursuit.

“An attempt was made to stop the Ford Ranger bakkie but the driver did not comply and drove off at high speed, and a car chase ensued. Unexpectedly, shots were fired at the members who returned fire until the vehicle lost control and stopped in the nearby bushes,” he said.

The driver of the bakkie and a passenger managed to jump out and flee on foot to evade arrest.

Thakeng further stated that upon searching the bakkie, officers discovered 20 Ethiopian men. Two of them sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.

“The bakkie was searched and police found it loaded with 20 males of Ethiopian origin aged between 18 and 44 who failed to produce authentic documents for being in the country legally. They were placed under arrest and two males who sustained injuries during the exchange of fire with the police were transported to the hospital to receive medical treatment while under police guard,” he added.

Thakeng also mentioned that during the arrest, officers confiscated the white Ford Ranger bakkie that was used in the commission of the crime.

A case of human smuggling, contravention of the Immigration Act, attempted murder, and reckless and negligent driving has been opened. 

The suspects are set to appear in the Mahwelereng Magistrate's Court on March 19.

A manhunt is currently underway for the two male suspects who evaded arrest. Anyone with information that could help is urged to contact Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola at 082 749 2233, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or use the MySAPSApp.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za