The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted two groups of foreign nationals in separate incidents at OR Tambo International Airport, amid what officials say is suspected human trafficking activity.
The interceptions involved 16 Bangladeshi and 14 Ethiopian nationals whose travel patterns were flagged as suspicious during routine passenger data analysis.
Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana said the successes follow intensified festive-season security measures and an intelligence-led approach to border control.
“Preliminary investigations revealed a modus operandi commonly used by trafficking syndicates, where individuals transit through South Africa to neighbouring countries and later re-enter the country,” said Thupana.
She added that cooperation with national and international partners remains central to securing ports of entry and combating irregular migration, visa fraud and trafficking.
Thupana also issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to undermine national security, saying such efforts will be “decisively countered.”
