Authorities in South Africa have intercepted and arrested 20 Ethiopians who had been smuggled into that country.
The gang was arrested after a high-speed chase and a shoot-out with their transporter which involved exchange of fire.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng confirmed the arrest which occurred on Tuesday in Mahwelereng.
They are being charged with violating immigration laws.
“The vehicle was intercepted along the N11 road. An attempt was made to stop the vehicle but the driver did not comply and drove off at high speed, and a car chase ensued.
“Shots were fired and the transporter returned fire until the vehicle lost control and stopped in nearby bushes. Two of the suspects were injured during the shootout. The driver and one passenger managed to jump out and flee from the scene to evade arrest,” said Lieutenant Colonel Thakeng.
“A manhunt of the two male suspects who evaded an arrest is underway while the suspects will appear before Mahwelereng Magistrates Court soon.”
In Zimbabwe, the Department of Immigration with the assistance of other security agents, has been intercepting Ethiopians, Somalians, Congolese, Eritreans and citizens of countries north of the Zambezi River during their great trek south of the Limpopo.
It is understood that these nationalities are finding their way into the country through illegal crossing points in the northern and eastern parts of Zimbabwe.
According to security sources, the river is the main barrier in their trek to South Africa, hence they are often intercepted at the border or roads leading to several illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River.
