The owner of Kris Freight Logistics has been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal after authorities intercepted a truck allegedly being driven by an undocumented foreign national.
The arrest took place in Pietermaritzburg during the ongoing #NenzaniLaEzweni enforcement operation, according to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma.
Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate arrested the freight company owner in connection with the employment of the undocumented driver.
More significantly, the MEC said the owner admitted violating Sections 38 and 49(3) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
The development comes as authorities intensify their focus on the trucking industry and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.
According to Duma, the number of undocumented foreign national truck drivers arrested during the weekend operation has increased from eight to 12.
“For a very long time we have been warning the freight and logistics industry that there will be severe consequences against those employing undocumented foreign nationals,” Duma said.
He also alleged that some trucking company owners are giving foreign truck drivers cash to bribe traffic police. Duma further claimed that some drivers are using certain routes at night to avoid detection.
The operation in Pietermaritzburg involved the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit, Department of Employment and Labour, SAPS and municipalities, including uMsunduzi, uMshwathi, uMkhambathini and Richmond.
Duma praised the female law-enforcement officers involved, describing the operation as largely successful.
For trucking companies, the arrest is another indication that enforcement is increasingly extending beyond the driver sitting behind the wheel.
Employers are now firmly in the spotlight over who they employ and put on South Africa’s roads.
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