By localnew 
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced that it will impose a R15 000 fine per traveller on Ethiopian Airlines following the interception of a suspected human trafficking operation at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park.
On 11 December 2025, border officials intercepted 30 foreign nationals in two separate incidents that raised serious red flags related to irregular migration and possible trafficking networks.
In the first incident, 14 Ethiopian nationals — five men and nine women — were stopped upon arrival after advanced passenger data analysis flagged their travel patterns as suspicious.
Later that same day, immigration officers intercepted 16 Bangladeshi men after discovering fraudulent visas and noticing irregular behaviour as they attempted to blend in with other travellers in the arrivals maze.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi confirmed that fines of R15 000 per person would be imposed on Ethiopian Airlines in accordance with immigration laws. The airline will also be responsible for repatriating all intercepted passengers to their countries of origin.
The BMA said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the individuals were part of a larger trafficking syndicate and to establish whether their travel was consensual or coerced.
Authorities noted that the operation forms part of tightened festive-season border security efforts aimed at clamping down on human trafficking, visa fraud, and transnational organised crime.
Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana praised officers for their vigilance and effective use of intelligence-driven profiling, which she said is critical in preventing South Africa from being exploited as a transit point by criminal networks.
The BMA has urged airlines, travellers, and the public to strengthen document verification and compliance practices, especially as passenger volumes increase during the holiday period.