Nine Mozambicans who were arrested for attempting to cross into South Africa illegally through the Beit Bridge border post, were each sentenced to a fine of US$20 or 30 days in jail.

Samba Sithole (27), Itai Mtisi (20), Nesbert Gwenzi (22), Justin Beukwa (24), Samson Gwenzi (54), Hardlife Makhuyana (24), Lincon Mubvumbi (30), Bongani Mulambo (25) and Lovemore Mulambo (20), all from the Chipangabera area in Mozambique, were convicted of contravening a section of the Immigration Act by a local magistrate, Mr Carrington Karidzagundi.

The prosecutor, Mr Marvelous Chikomo, said the nine Mozambicans used undesignated entry points along the Limpopo River in January to cross into South Africa illegally. The court heard that on 3 February, they arrived at the Beit Bridge Border Post en-route to Mozambique during which their vehicle, a Gauteng-registered Toyota Hilux, driven by Richard Mauta Jovo (38), was intercepted by police. As a routine immigration formality, the Mozambicans were asked to produce their passports and they failed to do so, leading to their arrest.

The driver who was ferrying them also appeared in court. He was setneced to a fine of R2 000 or 90 days in prison. The court heard that Jovo had assisted the border jumpers from Mozambique to cross into South Africa illegally.