Illegal Zimbabwean nationals arrested onboard

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Five illegal Zimbabwean nationals were arrested by members from Operational Response Services during Operation Shanela on Saturday evening in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

According to the police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, members on patrol spotted a suspicious vehicle on Beaconsfield with luggage wrapped in plastic and stopped it.

“There were two men, one woman and four children in the vehicle. They claimed they were en-route to a bus terminal in the CBD to board a bus to Zimbabwe. The woman and four children had no documentation.

“She claimed that three of the children were her biological children. The fourth child, a girl of approximately 12 years old, appeared to be nervous. She had a lighter skin complexion and the adult occupants did not provide a reasonable explanation regarding the guardianship of the child. The woman and four children (ages to be determined), believed to be Zimbabwean nationals were detained,” she explained.

Col Ehlers added that investigation will be conducted by the Department of Home Affairs and SAPS.

She continued; “The bus they were alleged to be boarding was searched and it was determined that several documented Zimbabwean nationals were passengers bound for Zimbabwe, investigations continue.”

Meanwhile, a traditional healer was nabbed for kidnapping at mall in Thabong, Welkom.

According to police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng, a mother, 33, opened a case of a missing person after her girl, one-year-nine-month was kidnapped on Saturday.

“Preliminary investigation was conducted by the our members together with Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit members.

“Video footage from the mall was obtained. A man was seen taking a child and entered with her inside the sedan and drove off from the mall.

“The police initiated the search and visited all the gatherings of traditional healers in the area, until the information came about Extension 15 Hani Park Bronville,” he explained.

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Cpt Thakeng stated that the child was found safe and brought back to the parents on Sunday.

He added; “A 45-year-old male person was arrested for kidnapping and he will appear soon in Welkom Magistrate Court.”

Lejweleputswa district commissioner, Tholie Afonso has sternly warned parents to always keep their children close especially while busy with their shopping spree and know their whereabouts even at their homes.