BMA steps up border patrols after 4,229 intercepted at land borders

The Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted 4,229 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally between April 1 and July 31, the authority told Parliament’s Home Affairs committee as it reported stepped-up patrols and enforcement along vulnerable border areas.

Where interceptions were concentrated

According to the BMA, most of the interceptions occurred along the northern border with Zimbabwe. The borders with Lesotho and Mozambique recorded the next-highest numbers.

Increased operations and tactics

The BMA said it carried out 318 multidisciplinary operations during the period, which included patrols and enforcement activities outside formal ports of entry. Officials also set up static roadblocks along major transport routes to intercept people who had avoided formal border controls.

The authority reported that these intensified operations helped reduce cases involving buses carrying undocumented people inside South Africa.

Tighter screening at land ports

During the three-month period the BMA refused entry to 12,100 people after officials tightened screening at land ports. The authority said immigration officials now expect travellers to provide clear information about where they will stay, explain the purpose of their visit and show they have sufficient funds for their stay.

The BMA indicated that immigration officials had traditionally applied stricter requirements at airports than at land borders and that the authority has now increased enforcement at land ports.

Arrests and repatriations

As part of wider border enforcement work the BMA arrested 760 people, focusing on those suspected of assisting others to enter South Africa illegally. The authority also processed almost 10,000 deportations during the operations.

As of August 7 the BMA had processed 89,936 repatriations. The breakdown provided by the authority lists more than 54,000 Malawian nationals repatriated, most through the Beitbridge corridor; about 37,000 Zimbabwean departures through Beitbridge; and about 2,200 Mozambican nationals. The BMA also processed repatriations through OR Tambo International Airport involving nationals from several other countries.

Operational outlook

The authority said it expects the tougher approach at land ports to attract political criticism as enforcement is increased.