Since the Easter holiday, authorities have apprehended over 200 individuals attempting to illegally cross the border at the Beitbridge Border Post in Limpopo, Musina. Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr. Michael Masiapato, confirmed this, noting that drones continue to identify these unauthorized crossings.
The BMA reports that drone deployment has significantly disrupted various illicit activities at the Beitbridge post since their introduction. Collaborative efforts between the BMA and law enforcement agencies are actively preventing illegal actions, including the trafficking of both people and goods.
Nearly 2,000 arrests have been made for a range of offenses, according to the BMA commissioner. “We’ve now entered the second phase of our operations, having largely completed the initial stage of our plan. I’m quite pleased with the progress thus far; I’ve received detailed briefings from the port management committee, a group comprised of stakeholders including police, the BMA, and the SANDF.”
Dr. Masiapato praised the effectiveness of drones and body-worn cameras in combating crime at the entry point. He explained, “Regarding corruption, the key benefit of the body cameras is that every interaction between our officials and travelers is recorded both visually and audibly in a central control area. This allows us to monitor conversations and interactions, acting as a strong deterrent against discussing illicit deals or exchanging funds. Should any such activity be detected, the recorded footage, complete with audio, will be used to address the situation appropriately.”
The situation at South Africa’s other border crossings remains stable, he stated. “Overall, all ports are prepared for this return leg. I recently visited Lebombo, and they are fully ready, with personnel actively managing incoming travelers and ensuring smooth operations. Groblersbridge, which was impacted by flooding, is also prepared to handle traffic. While it primarily handles trucks, the other ports – Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge near Lesotho – are proceeding as planned.”
A significant increase in traffic is anticipated at Beitbridge throughout the night as holidaymakers return. Some travelers expressed satisfaction with the border crossing experience. “I’m from Malawi, heading to Johannesburg, and I’m pleased with how efficient and quick the process was,” one traveler shared. “We faced delays due to roadwork in Zimbabwe, but overall, it was a positive first trip from Malawi to Johannesburg.”
The BMA confirmed that the Beitbridge Border Post will remain operational throughout the night to facilitate the return of travelers to South Africa.
