Mozambique: Police launch manhunt for driver of tanker carrying 99 illegal migrants

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: Police launch manhunt for driver of tanker carrying 99 illegal migrants

10:09 CAT | 25 Oct 2022

"We know a Malawian national was driving the truck carrying 99 people who entered Mozambique illegally. They were bound for South Africa. In exchange, the driver would receive 2,500 rands for each person," explained Mindu. [Image:Notícias]

The Mozambican Police (PRM) have launched a manhunt for a Malawian national, driver of the tanker truck seized on Saturday (22), in Guro district, central Mozambican province of Manica, while carrying 99 illegal migrants.

The truck was on its way to the city of Beira, in the neighbouring province of Sofala. However, was unable to reach its destination because was intercepted by the police at a check point.

Inside the tanker the police and migration authorities found hidden 99 individuals, 90 men and nine women, all Malawian nationals.

JUST IN: Police in Mozambique have intercepted a tanker truck loaded with 87 illegal Malawian foreigners making their way to South Africa. pic.twitter.com/AWndbMKqc9

— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) October 23, 2022

PRM spokesman in Manica, Mateus Mindu, told reporters this Monday (24) in Guro district that the force is already in possession of the driver’s identity and all operational lines have been activated for his arrest and criminal accountability.

“We know a Malawian national was driving the truck carrying 99 people who entered Mozambique illegally. They were bound for South Africa. In exchange, the driver would receive 2,500 rands for each person,” explained Mindu.

Mindu believes the events of Saturday are part of a larger and sophisticated network that includes Mozambicans who facilitate the entry of illegal foreigners into the country.

Most migrants use Mozambique as a springboard to reach South Africa, while others, a minority, settle in Mozambique where they get involved in the informal market.

“We have launched all our operational lines to arrest the driver and, if possible, identify other members of the network of facilitators. We believe that this is not the first time this driver has committed this illegal type of crime,” said Mindu.

“We note that all migrants are in good health. We are now busy working to repatriate them to their home country. A criminal case has been opened and those accused of this practice will be brought to justice”, he explained.

Mindu declared that PRM, with the involvement of other institutions, is cracking down on illegal immigration in the country, particularly along the main roads that cross Manica province.

One of the illegal immigrants, who spoke to journalists, said that they got inside the truck while still on Malawian territory and their final destination was the neighbouring South Africa where they hoped to find better living standards.

“We left Malawi inside the tanker. Our destination was South Africa to look for jobs. In our country life is tough. That is why we tried at all costs to go to South Africa. I have children who stayed back in Malawi,” he said.

This is one of the largest joint operations launched this year involving the Mozambican police, Migration Services and other entities to curb illegal immigration.

READ: Mozambique: Police seize tanker truck with 89 illegal immigrants inside

Source: AIM