News24 | 41 undocumented Mozambicans: 10 women and six girls to be deported for illegally entering SA

The Hawks intercepted two taxis transporting illegal migrants on the N4 highway in Kaapmuiden. (@SAPoliceService/X)

• 10 women and six girls will be deported to Mozambique after being found entering South Africa illegally.
• They were among 41 people arrested in Mpumalanga on Friday.
• The group included men, teenage girls and toddlers who were travelling to Johannesburg.

Ten women and six girls are to be deported to Mozambique after they were found guilty of entering South Africa illegally.

On Tuesday, the Barberton Magistrate's Court sentenced the 16 accused to a R2 000 fine or six months imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of a similar offence.

The court also ordered that they be deported with immediate effect.

On 9 August, police arrested 41 people - including men, women, teenage girls and toddlers - on the N4 highway in Kaapmuiden, Mpumalanga.

Hawks spokesperson Dineo Sekgotodi said the 41 people were travelling in two taxis from Mozambique to Johannesburg without permits or passports.

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The men will next appear in court on 20 August.

"The 15 Mozambican males' case was postponed to 20 August 2024 for Legal Aid representatives. The accused remain in custody, [and the] investigation continues."

The case against the minors was not dealt with when the group first appeared in court on Monday, pending the availability of a probation officer and a social worker.

The driver of a bakkie and two taxi drivers were among those arrested on charges of contravening the Immigration Act, kidnapping, and aiding and abetting.