R6,000 Fine or Jail Time
By Mpho Moloi
32-year-old Mozambican national, Moises Armando Mate, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with an option to pay a R6,000 fine. This sentence is wholly suspended for three years, provided he does not commit a similar offence during this period. The Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court delivered this verdict on Friday, 27 December 2024, following Mate’s guilty plea to charges of aiding and abetting illegal entry into South Africa.
Arrest and Interception
Mate’s arrest occurred on 6 December 2024, when vigilant Border Management Authority (BMA) guards intercepted a minibus taxi at the Lebombo Port of Entry. The vehicle was found transporting 14 undocumented Mozambican children, all females aged between four and 16 years, attempting to enter South Africa illegally. 
The BMA’s swift action underscores their commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s borders, especially against human smuggling activities that exploit vulnerable individuals. BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi stated, “Vigilant BMA border guards intercepted a minibus taxi attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children from Mozambique.” 
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following his arrest, Mate was handed over to the Komatipoort SAPS, and a case of aiding and abetting was registered. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, took over the investigation, leading to Mate’s court appearances. On 27 December 2024, Mate pleaded guilty to the charges, resulting in the court imposing a six-month prison sentence, with an alternative option of a R6,000 fine. This sentence was wholly suspended for three years, contingent upon Mate not committing a similar offence during this period.
Major General Nico Gerber, Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Hawks, welcomed the sentence, emphasizing that such activities undermine both the country’s laws and human dignity. He warned, “Aiding and abetting people to illegally enter, depart, or remain in the Republic undermines both the country’s laws and human dignity.”
Care and Repatriation of the Victims
The 14 rescued children were immediately placed under the care of the Department of Social Development for assessment and support. After thorough evaluations, arrangements were made to repatriate them to Mozambique, ensuring their safety and well-being. This intervention highlights the collaborative efforts between South African authorities and social services in addressing the complexities of human smuggling and child exploitation.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Efforts
This incident is not isolated. The BMA has been actively intercepting similar cases, including the recent arrest of a minibus taxi driver attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children from Mozambique into South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry.  These arrests underscore the persistent challenges faced by South African border authorities in combating human smuggling and trafficking syndicates.
The festive season often sees a surge in such illegal activities, prompting the BMA to intensify its efforts to safeguard the country’s ports of entry. BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato remarked, “We are now in the festive period, and our deployments have been intensified to intercept and deal with criminality in the border environment.” 
🔴Central News Weekly Edition 087🔴 Download the Latest Edition | Top Story: “Building ‘The Ngwathe We Want’:
Dr Mothamaha Drives Cost-Effective
Solutions with New Fleet Acquisitions”
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube