A 43.year-old Zimbabwean man was arrested after police intercepted a white Chevrolet Utility bakkie carrying 582 passports and approximately R147 300 in cash.
The arrest was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising the Middelburg Flying Squad, Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Team, and Waterval Boven SAPS.
The bakkie, with Gauteng registration number plates, was stopped around 13:00 following intelligence received about its movements. During a thorough search, police discovered hundreds of passports, some containing cash hidden inside a compartment, as well as an additional R20 000 concealed in a black plastic bag.
Investigation so far suggests that the suspect may have been planning to meet someone the following day to have the passports stamped, with the recovered cash likely intended as payment for the illegal transaction.
The suspect has been charged with contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa, fraud, and money laundering. In addition to the arrests, the bakkie driven by the man was confiscated and will remain in police custody for further investigation.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving fraud, illegal travel documents, or other financial crimes. The case forms part of ongoing efforts by South African police to clamp down on cross-border fraud, money laundering, and violations of immigration laws in the region.
