Kempton Park – Border authorities in South Africa intercepted 30 foreign nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park on December 11 as regional travel increased ahead of the festive season.
The Border Management Authority confirmed that the group included 14 Ethiopian nationals and 16 Bangladeshi nationals who were stopped by immigration and border law enforcement teams during routine and intelligence led checks at the airport.
Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana said the interceptions followed targeted analysis of passenger information and on site profiling by officers stationed at the country’s busiest port of entry. The operation forms part of broader efforts to curb human trafficking irregular migration and transnational organised crime.
According to BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi the first interception involved 14 Ethiopians made up of nine males and five females who arrived on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Passenger movement patterns raised concern during pre arrival screening prompting officers to stop the group on arrival. Initial investigations suggested a method commonly linked to trafficking syndicates where individuals transit through South Africa to neighbouring countries before attempting to re enter the country.
In a separate case 16 Bangladeshi males were intercepted after officers discovered they were carrying fraudulent visas. The group also arrived on an Ethiopian Airlines flight and drew attention after officers noticed unusual behaviour while moving through the arrivals area. Further checks confirmed the visas were not genuine and the travellers could not provide consistent reasons for their journey raising concerns of possible trafficking activity.
The developments are being closely watched in Eswatini where authorities have repeatedly warned that the kingdom remains vulnerable to cross border crimes linked to human trafficking and document fraud due to its proximity to major regional transit routes. Local security experts say stronger cooperation with South African border agencies is critical to preventing trafficking networks from extending their operations into Eswatini during peak travel periods.
The intercepted individuals were referred for further investigation as border authorities continue tightening controls at ports of entry during the festive season.
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