Mystery as 32 Undocumented Migrants Found on Bus After Border Processing

A bus carrying undocumented migrants intercepted in the Free State has left authorities baffled.

The bus was processed at the Beitbridge Border Post with 43 properly documented passengers on board.

But when it was stopped in Bloemfontein, there were an additional 32 undocumented migrants on the bus.

The Investigation

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is investigating as it wraps up a busy Easter long weekend.

The BMA processed over 80,000 travellers at the Beitbridge crossing and nabbed over 400 illegal crossers . By 4 April, over 400 people were intercepted as they tried crossing into South Africa illegally.

Commissioner’s Statement

Michael Masiapato , BMA Commissioner, said the matter involving the bus is under investigation.

“That bus went into the weighbridge. We do have a record of that particular process, including the footage, even when it was actually waiting.”

“That bus was cleared, and it complied. There were no additional people. Now, ultimately, they said the bus was intercepted and they said there were 32 additional people and they did not have documents.”

“We are not able to confirm where the bus driver picked up those people.”

The Mystery

The bus was cleared at the border with 43 passengers. Somewhere between Beitbridge and Bloemfontein, 32 more people got on.

How? Where? And with what documents?

The BMA is investigating. But for now, the answers remain a mystery.