“The police operationalised on information received and managed to locate 11 motor vehicles travelling along the N1 North bypass gateway, outside Polokwane,” said Mashaba.

“The vehicles were tactically approached, stopped and searched and found to be overloaded with 73 underage children between six months and 17 years, including 60 adults,” he said.

“The passengers could not provide the legal documentations for being in the country and were placed under arrest on the spot. Most of the passengers could not establish where they were going and were suspected to be victims of human trafficking.”

Mashaba said police also seized eight Toyota Quantum vehicles, two Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab bakkies, with canopies, and a Toyota Fortuner.

“The police and other stakeholders comprising the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Social Development have been summoned to process the undocumented foreign nationals and suspected victims of human trafficking. Police investigations are continuing,” he said.

Last week, IOL reported that two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested over human trafficking charges after being found transporting 14 children to Cape Town. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said the duo could face additional charges as the investigation continues.