Five suspects were arrested at the border while transporting a large amount of cash in plastic bags. (Supplied/BMA)
- Five suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of R1 480 050 at the Qashasnek port of entry.
- The money had been concealed in black plastic bags.
- Four of the suspects had previously been declared undesirable and had been banned from entering the country.
Five Lesotho nationals have been arrested after being caught while trying to smuggle R1 480 050 worth of South African currency, concealed in black plastic bags, at the Qashasnek port of entry.
The suspects were arrested by the Junior Border Guards last Tuesday, who were conducting a search as part of routine checks at a vehicle checkpoint between South Africa and Lesotho.
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The vehicle was stopped and searched during a joint operation between the Border Management Authority (BMA), members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Five Lesotho nationals were in the vehicle, and four were found to be previously declared undesirable and had been banned from entering the country in terms of the Immigration Act,” the BMA said in a statement.
The BMA said the suspects were searched and found to be in possession of concealed South African currency worth R1 480 050.
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The four people, who did not have the requisite documents, were also arrested for being in South Africa illegally and a case was opened.
“The money, which was counted and underwent counterfeit verifications, was then deposited into the state bank account pending further investigations on the matter.”
BMA commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, commended the crime prevention contributions of BMA officials at Qashasnek port of entry and their detection systems.
Money, tightly wrapped in black plastic, confiscated at the Qashasnek port of entry. (Supplied/BMA)
“As the commissioner of the Border Management Authority, I am committed to ensuring the safety and security of our nation. To this end, we have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activities at our ports of entry,” Masiapato said.
“We will rigorously enforce the law and take decisive action against any illegal activities to maintain the integrity of our borders.
“The Junior Border Guards continue to display great effort in protecting our country. Their dedication and hard work are vital in maintaining the safety and integrity of our nation,” stated Masiapato.
