The members of the 8 South African Infantry Battalion deployed along with South Africa and Lesotho border received a tip-off about a fleet of Quantum taxis that was approaching Wepener Town, suspected to be stolen.
Lieutenant S.V. Gqozo was in the area busy with Vehicles Patrols and quickly established a Vehicle Check Point on the R26/R702 junction while requesting back from the Battalion Headquarters in Ladybrand. The SA National Defence Force and the SA Police Service were both on the scene when the convoy of Quantum taxis approached, and immediately when the suspects saw the Law Enforcement members they open fire. The SA National Defence Force and the SA Police Service returned fire.
One of the suspects was injured and evacuated to Pelonomi Hospital. The SA National Defence Force and the SA Police Service managed to win the firefight and get the situation under control. No SA National Defence Force member was injured. The convoy consisted of 13 Quantums, 1 silver Grey BMW, 1 red Golf 4 and Toyota Regius. In the vehicles were 150 male and 8 female Lesotho nationals.
The Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel M.A. Mathibela received confirmation that the Quantums were not stolen but were used to transport undocumented people into South Africa to work illegally in the mines. It was confirmed that the people did not cross at the Port of Entry but at an illegal point along the border. All suspects including the drivers were arrested by the South African Police Service.
Traffic fines for the 13 Quantums were issued for no operating permits and for violation of traffic rules. A total of R 121 500.00 in fines were issued.
Information and Photographs by Captain D. Ruiters || Joint Tactical Headquarters Free State.