A Mozambican national convicted of smuggling 14 children into South Africa has received a six-month prison sentence, wholly suspended for three years. The sentence, which includes a R6,000 fine option, has raised questions about the justice system’s handling of human trafficking cases.
The Arrest
Moises Armando Mate, aged 32, was apprehended in Komatipoort on December 6. Mate had transported 14 Mozambican minors—girls aged between four months and 16 years—across the border in a minibus. Members of the Border Management Authority arrested him on the N4 highway and handed him and the children over to the Komatipoort SAPS.
The minors were later transferred to the Department of Social Development for evaluation before being repatriated to Mozambique.
Legal Proceedings
Mate appeared in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to all charges on December 27. The court handed down a six-month prison sentence, fully suspended on the condition that Mate refrains from committing similar offences for three years.
The sentence prohibits him from assisting others in entering, remaining in, or departing South Africa illegally during this period.
Authorities React
Mpumalanga Hawks Head, Major General Nico Gerber, expressed concern about the impact of such crimes. “Aiding and abetting people to illegally enter, depart, or remain in the Republic undermines both the country’s laws and human dignity,” he stated.
