Friday, April 18, 2025
With the Easter long weekend underway, the Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, is monitoring movements at the country’s ports of entry.
Commissioner Masiapato is on the ground monitoring the accelerated security control measures at the Lebombo port of entry.
As the third law enforcement service in the Republic, the BMA has also deployed drones and body worn cameras for additional technological support in addition to adjusting service hours for the holidays.
Four advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones and 40 body-worn cameras have been deployed for the first time at the country’s ports of entry this Easter weekend.
READ | Technology to aid SA’s border management efforts
The drones are equipped with some of the most advanced night vision cameras in the world, including thermal detection technology.
Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the devices are able to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles. They can also travel at speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour and are capable of operating in remote rural areas without access to GPS and even underground.
The Commissioner will also monitor deployments and traveller movements.
When travellers return from the Easter holidays, the BMA Commissioner will be at the Beitbridge port of entry from 20 to 22 April 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
