Staff Reporter
At least 42 people have been arrested for illegally entering South Africa from Lesotho through an undesignated point.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele said in a statement the suspects were rounded up by members of the Bethlehem Public Order Policing deployed at Ficksburg ports of entry.
He said while patrolling the borderline and the ports of entry near Caledon River, the task team members noticed a group of people crossing the border from Lesotho illegally through the river using a tube.
“Members kept observation and waited for them to cross into South African shores and arrested them,” said Makhele.
“All 42 people were arrested as illegal immigrants entering the Republic of South Africa at a place other than a port of entry,” he added.
The suspects, who include men and women, will appear in the Ficksburg Magistrate Court soon.
Police have increased patrols across the province for safer festive season operations and to ensure full compliance and adherence to the adjusted Level 3 lockdown regulations.
Meanwhile, police in Parys are seeking assistance in finding Rita Hawkins, 53, who has gone missing.
She is from Bellville and was visiting her aunt in Parys.
Hawkins was last seen on Wednesday, December 30, at about 1050 hours at corner Grens and Bree Streets in Parys running barefoot in the direction of the Vaal River.
She is said to be mentally disabled.
Hawkins was wearing a black shirt and black pants with white dots.
Anyone who may know her whereabouts should contact Parys Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jacques De Vos, on 071 675 9311 or call Crime Stop: 08600 10111, alternatively send information via MySaps App.