Two Zimbabwean nationals working for a company that supplies diesel to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been arrested after being found to be in the country illegally.
According to Regional Provost Marshal Colonel L. B. Mashilo, of the Central Military Police Region, officials from the region attached to the Joint Operations Mobilisation and Demobilisation Headquarters were manning a checkpoint at the main gate of the Department of Defence Mobilisation Centre at around 10 am on 19 August 2026 when they stopped a civilian truck belonging to a diesel supplier to the Department of Defence for inspection.
“It was established that both occupants of the vehicle were foreign nationals. Upon inspection of their passports, it was discovered that they had overstayed their authorised period of stay in the Republic of South Africa,” said Colonel Mashilo.
“The Bloemfontein SA Police Service Flying Squad was summoned, attended the scene and the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that both individuals were unlawfully present in the Republic.
“The suspects, both Zimbabwean nationals, were handed over to the SA Police Service for further processing.
“The truck, a Mercedes‑Benz horse and tanker trailer, was noted to have been operated with an expired Professional Driving Permit.”
The two suspects, who have not been named publicly, are expected to face charges under the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, including Section 49(1)(a) and (b) and Section 32(1), subject to confirmation by the SAPS and relevant authorities.
They were detained at Heidedal Police Station pending further administrative processes.
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