BMA intercepts 30 suspected human trafficking victims at OR Tambo airport
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has thwarted a human trafficking operation after intercepting 30 foreign nationals at OR Tambo Airport.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has thwarted what is believed to be a human trafficking and irregular migration operation after intercepting 30 foreign nationals at OR Tambo International Airport.
Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana confirmed that 14 Ethiopians and 16 Bangladeshis were stopped by immigration and border law enforcement teams as part of the authority’s intensified festive season security operations.
Combat human trafficking
The crackdown forms part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, fraudulent travel documentation, and transnational organised crime, with airports considered prime transit points during the busy December period.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi detailed the incidents.
“In the first incident, 14 Ethiopian nationals – nine males and five females – were intercepted upon arrival on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
“In a separate incident, 16 Bangladeshi males were intercepted after BMA officials discovered they were in possession of fraudulent visas.”
Investigations into both cases are under way, and the BMA is expected to work with relevant law enforcement agencies to determine the networks behind the attempted entries.
Authorities have warned that operations will continue to intensify at border posts, airports and land ports as the holiday season reaches its peak.
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