The Border Management Authority (BMA) stopped and detained more than 6 000 individuals attempting to enter or leave South Africa illegally over the Easter period.
Increase in Border Movements and Illegal Crossings
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato briefed the media on Monday 28 April, highlighting movement statistics and enforcement activities across the country’s 71 ports of entry.
He mentioned that the BMA conducted one of its most extensive deployments to date. Increasing visibility, boosting joint operations, and introducing technological reinforcements like drone surveillance and body-worn cameras.
“We registered about 1 057 063 movements across our 71 ports of entry. An 8% increase compared to the 2024 Easter period,” Masiapato said.
He added that in just 10 days, officials intercepted and apprehended 6 253 individuals attempting illegal crossings. A 61% increase from last year’s Easter figures.
Officials identified 4 795 as undocumented, classified 1 055 as undesirable, and found 403 inadmissible due to issues like fraudulent visas or missing yellow fever certificates.
Officials fingerprinted and declared undocumented individuals undesirable for five years before deporting them to their countries of origin, excluding facilitators.
Technology Boosts Border Security
Masiapato praised the impact of new technologies on border operations.
“The deployment of high-tech surveillance drones and body-worn cameras has been a game-changer for our border patrols,” he said.
Further Arrests
In addition to the illegal crossings, authorities arrested 112 individuals at ports of entry or border law enforcement areas for various offences.
They handed the suspects over to SAPS for further processing.
Should South African authorities use drones and body cameras even more heavily at the borders?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
