Border Management Authority (BMA) officials have intercepted two separate groups of foreign nationals at OR Tambo International Airport in what authorities believe were attempted cases of human trafficking, irregular migration, and visa fraud.
The interventions took place on Thursday as part of the BMA’s intensified festive-season security operations across South Africa’s ports of entry.
Suspicious Ethiopian Group Flagged by Passenger Data
In the first incident, 14 Ethiopian nationals — five men and nine women — were stopped shortly after landing on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. According to preliminary information, advanced passenger data had flagged the group’s travel pattern as suspicious.
Officials say the individuals matched movement trends commonly associated with trafficking syndicates, where travellers transit through South Africa en route to neighbouring countries before attempting to re-enter the country irregularly. All 14 were detained for further processing and investigation.
Bangladeshi Travellers Found with Fake Visas
In a second unrelated incident, 16 Bangladeshi men arriving on another Ethiopian Airlines flight were removed from the arrivals queue after immigration officers noticed them attempting to blend in with South African passengers.
A secondary inspection revealed that the visas they carried were fraudulent. Authorities say their stated travel plans and intentions were inconsistent with legitimate entry into the country, further heightening concerns of possible trafficking or organised irregular migration.
BMA Commends Officers and Warns Criminal Networks
Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana praised the alertness of officers, describing the interceptions as the result of intelligence-driven screening, behavioural profiling, and targeted document checks.
“These actions reinforce South Africa’s determination not to be exploited as a transit corridor for organised criminal networks,” she said.
The BMA confirmed that heightened security measures would remain in force throughout the festive season as officials crack down on visa fraud, undocumented entry, and human trafficking activities.
The public is urged to report suspicious movements through the Operation Hi-Tivise hotline on 0801 229 019 or via the BMA’s official website.
Joburg News will continue monitoring developments at OR Tambo and provide updates as investigations progress.