Border management officials arrested for accepting bribes
Two Border Management Authority [BMA] officials were arrested, allegedly after accepting a bribe to allow undocumented foreign nationals to pass at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina, Limpopo on Tuesday.
The arrests come after surveillance teams observed a white Mercedes-Benz taxi parked next to the shop. Two BMA officials, a 61-year-old female and a 44-year-old male, both stationed at Beitbridge Border Post, were seen stopping the vehicle and subsequently allowing it to proceed, allegedly after receiving a bribe.
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The vehicle was later intercepted, and it was found to be transporting a total of 18 passengers. 13 were in possession of valid passports, while five were undocumented foreign nationals with no travel documents.
A female passenger and the taxi driver, believed to have played active roles in the illicit facilitation, were also arrested at the scene.
All suspects, including the two BMA officials, were charged with corruption and appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. The five undocumented immigrants were separately charged with contravening the Immigration Act. All nine accused are set to reappear in court on Thursday, 24 April 2025, for a formal bail application.
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Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, praised the swift and coordinated efforts of the law enforcement teams involved in the operation.
“This operation is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to uprooting corruption and illegal activities at our borders,” said Major General Manala.
“The actions of those entrusted with enforcing the law, yet who choose to undermine it for personal gain, will not be tolerated. I commend the teams for their vigilance and dedication in protecting the integrity of our borders.”
Seven other individuals were also arrested for their alleged involvement in corruption and contravention of the Immigration Act.
