Illegal Immigrants, Traffickers Arrested

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has arrested twelve suspects during a crime prevention operation conducted in the Bushbuckridge policing area over the weekend.

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The operation, carried out under Operation Safer Festive Season by the former Acornhoek Cluster Crime Prevention Team, took place from 4pm on Friday, 10 January, until 4am on Saturday, 11 January 2026. It focused on preventing crime and disrupting serious and organised criminal activities.

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The arrests were made during stop-and-search operations along the R40 road in the Dwarsloop area. Police stopped and searched a taxi with Mozambican registration, leading to the apprehension of the suspects.

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Ten of the suspects were arrested for contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act and are believed to be undocumented foreign nationals from Mozambique. The remaining two suspects were arrested on charges related to human trafficking.

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Police also carried out extensive crime prevention activities across the wider Bushbuckridge area as part of the operation.

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Detectives are working closely with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the legal status of the arrested individuals. All twelve suspects are expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court soon.

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