Five arrested in Mpumalanga operation as suspected illicit goods seized
Five foreign nationals were arrested during a Mpumalanga operation in which police also reported seizures of suspected illegal coal and illicit goods.
Mpumalanga police have arrested five foreign nationals for alleged Immigration Act violations during a multidisciplinary operation in Nkomazi.
SABC News reported that the group comprised three Mozambican nationals and two Ethiopian nationals. The operation involved the South African Police Service, SARS Customs and other law-enforcement partners.
Police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said officers also seized 910 bags of coal suspected to be illegal, with an estimated value of more than R227,000, as well as more than 18,000 counterfeit and illicit items.
The operation covered business premises in Tonga and Block B. Police said 56 shops were inspected and two businesses were closed for non-compliance.
The five people were arrested on allegations under the Immigration Act. An arrest is not a finding of guilt, and the state will have to place the relevant charges and evidence before a court.
Police had not provided a detailed breakdown of the seized items or identified the owners of the businesses in the information available on Sunday morning. The description and estimated value of the coal remain part of the official account.
The operation formed part of Operation Basadi, which SAPS said was conducted in the Tonga policing precinct on 4 September. Further enforcement or court details will be reported when officially confirmed.