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2 Zimbabweans arrested at SANDF fuel checkpoint
1 hr ago |
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Two Zimbabwean nationals working for a company supplying diesel to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been arrested after they were found to be unlawfully present in South Africa.
The pair were detained on August 19 after a civilian fuel truck was stopped at a checkpoint at the main entrance to the Department of Defence Mobilisation Centre.
According to Regional Provost Marshal Colonel L. B. Mashilo of the Central Military Police Region, officials attached to the Joint Operations Mobilisation and Demobilisation Headquarters were conducting inspections at about 10am when they stopped the vehicle.
"It was established that both occupants of the vehicle were foreign nationals. Upon inspection of their passports, it was discovered that they had overstayed their authorised period of stay in the Republic of South Africa," said Mashilo.
The Bloemfontein South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad was called to the scene, while officials from the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the two men were unlawfully in the country.
"The suspects, both Zimbabwean nationals, were handed over to the SA Police Service for further processing," Mashilo said.
The vehicle, identified as a Mercedes-Benz horse and tanker trailer, was also found to have been operated with an expired Professional Driving Permit.
The two men, whose identities have not been released, are expected to face charges under South Africa's Immigration Act 13 of 2002, including provisions relating to unlawful presence in the country, subject to confirmation by SAPS and the relevant authorities.
They were detained at Heidedal Police Station pending further administrative and legal processes.
The arrests come as South African authorities continue to tighten checks on immigration compliance and documentation among foreign nationals working in the country.
The pair were detained on August 19 after a civilian fuel truck was stopped at a checkpoint at the main entrance to the Department of Defence Mobilisation Centre.
According to Regional Provost Marshal Colonel L. B. Mashilo of the Central Military Police Region, officials attached to the Joint Operations Mobilisation and Demobilisation Headquarters were conducting inspections at about 10am when they stopped the vehicle.
"It was established that both occupants of the vehicle were foreign nationals. Upon inspection of their passports, it was discovered that they had overstayed their authorised period of stay in the Republic of South Africa," said Mashilo.
The Bloemfontein South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad was called to the scene, while officials from the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the two men were unlawfully in the country.
"The suspects, both Zimbabwean nationals, were handed over to the SA Police Service for further processing," Mashilo said.
The vehicle, identified as a Mercedes-Benz horse and tanker trailer, was also found to have been operated with an expired Professional Driving Permit.
The two men, whose identities have not been released, are expected to face charges under South Africa's Immigration Act 13 of 2002, including provisions relating to unlawful presence in the country, subject to confirmation by SAPS and the relevant authorities.
They were detained at Heidedal Police Station pending further administrative and legal processes.
The arrests come as South African authorities continue to tighten checks on immigration compliance and documentation among foreign nationals working in the country.
Source - online
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