NELSPRUIT – The vigilance displayed by members from Elukwatini SAPS has been commended by the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela. This comes in a wake of an incident in which 34 people, aged between 21 and 34 were arrested on the R 541 Road near Elukwatini yesterday morning, Wednesday 16 March 2022 on charges of being in the country illegally. The 23 males and 11 females are Malawian Nationals.
Information at police disposal so far indicates that on the said day, police were working on the road between Badplaas and Nhlazatshe (Elukwatini). Whilst executing their duties, they stopped two mini busses that were trailing each other. A search was then conducted by the members on the two kombis upon which it was discovered that the occupants were Malawian Nationals without valid permits/ documentations. In addition to the 34, there were also two children, both aged 02 who reportedly came with their mothers into the country.
Subsequent to the arrest, they were all charged for contravention of the Immigration Act. More charges may be laid against them as the investigation proceeds. Preliminary investigation into the matter thus far suggests that the detainees were supposed to be in Mozambique. Part of the probe will also be to establish how they ended up in South Africa.
They are all expected to be in the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 18 March 2022 facing the said charges.
On the other hand, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has, once more expressed her confidence in the team of well dedicated members in the province who are equal to the task at hand. “We are very sure that if we can continue to work like this, then our ultimate goal of safety for all citizens can soon be easily achieved ” emphasized the General.

Source: South African Police Service