‘No justice’ for smuggler

Child Trafficking: Anger as Mozambican gets suspended sentence

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde

The sentencing of a Mozambican to six months in prison, with an option to pay a R6 000 fine, for smuggling 14 minors into South Africa, has been criticised.

The sentence was wholly suspended for three years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence, nor be found unlawfully assisting any person(s) to enter, remain or depart South Africa during this period.

Moises Armando Mate, 32, appeared before Komatipoort Magistrate's Court on Friday after he was arrested at Komatipoort, Mpumalanga.

He had smuggled the minors, all girls, aged between four and 16, on 6 December.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the minibus that was fully loaded with the 14 girls was stopped by members of the Border Management Authority on the N4 next to a filling station.