The enhanced security measures implemented by the Border Management Authority (BMA) across the country’s ports of entry are ensuring that law transgressors are stopped in their tracks.
This operation is part of a strengthened multi-layered approach designed to ensure safe, efficient and well-coordinated border management during this peak travel period.
“As daily movements continue to increase, the Border Management Authority remains on high alert, committed to facilitating legitimate travel and trade while decisively preventing illegal activities and safeguarding South Africa’s borders,” Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, said on Friday.
The Commissioner is operating from the ground, overseeing border operations, with the processing of people and goods continuing smoothly and unimpeded at all Ports of Entry across the country.
On Thursday, 18 December 2025, the BMA Law Enforcement component at Kosi Bay intercepted two Mozambican male nationals travelling in a silver Volvo S40 while entering the Republic of South Africa from Mozambique.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 46 fraudulently stamped Mozambican passports concealed under the mat in the boot of the car.
In addition, an amount of R34 890 in cash, believed to be proceeds of illicit activities, was confiscated from the suspects.
“The suspects attempted to bribe BMA officials with the same amount of cash in an effort to evade arrest. Both suspects were subsequently arrested and charged with fraud, resisting arrest, and bribery. This interception reflects the BMA’s zero tolerance on corruption and the facilitation of transnational organised crime,” Masiapato said on Friday.
In addition, the BMA Border Guards intercepted 585 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals at the Groblers Bridge Port of Entry to Botswana, as they were moving without travel documents through vulnerable segments of the borderline while leaving South Africa on 18 December 2025.
They were carrying goods that were supposed to be declared through the normal customs processes.
Furthermore, about 142 Basotho nationals were also intercepted at Sani Pass.
“Operations at the Sendelingsdrift Port of Entry between South Africa and Namibia have been temporarily suspended due to increased water levels resulting from persistent rainfall.
“These conditions pose a safety risk to the cross-border movement of the pontoon and to travellers between the Republic of South Africa and Namibia. The BMA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions improve,” the Commissioner said.
As he continues to monitor operations, he will on Friday be Maseru Bridge Port of Entry.
The port is already experiencing an increase in the movement of travellers on both arrivals and departures.
Despite the rising volumes, the situation remains manageable, with adequate deployments in place and systems functioning optimally. – SAnews.gov.za
