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The Border Management Authority (BMA) continues to intensify efforts to safeguard South Africa’s ports of entry and ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals. Recent operations at the Beitbridge and Lebombo Ports of Entry have resulted in significant breakthroughs in disrupting illegal activities, including human and child smuggling.
On Friday, 6 December 2024, vigilant BMA border guards intercepted a minibus taxi attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children from Mozambique, aged between 4 and 16 years, into South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry. The driver was immediately arrested and charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry in accordance with the Immigration Act . The rescued children were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and support.
In another incident, on Saturday, 7 December 2024, eight Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry while attempting to enter the country illegally without valid travel documents. The individuals were dropped off by a minibus taxi near the port and apprehended by BMA border guards during routine patrols.
The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michale Masiapato has commended the unwavering commitment and vigilance of the BMA border guards, whose actions continue to disrupt criminal activities and uphold the integrity of the country’s Ports of Entry.
“These incidents highlight the critical role our border guards play in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and preventing the exploitation of our borders by criminal syndicates. The Border Management Authority remains steadfast in its mission to combat illegal activities and protect the sovereignty of South Africa. We are now in the festive period and our deployments have been intensified to intercept and deal with criminality in the border environment,” said Commissioner Masiapato.
As we are commemorating the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the BMA has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that our ports of entry are not exploited for any form of criminal activities, including human smuggling that targets any of the vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
The BMA reiterates its call to all citizens and stakeholders to report any suspicious activities at or near ports of entry. Community vigilance and cooperation are vital in the fight against border-related crimes.
