South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) is working with its Zimbabwean counterparts to curb illegal immigration into South Africa.
<a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/bma-working-with-zimbabwe-to-prevent-entry-of-illegal-immigrants/">SABC News</a> reported that BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato evaluated the preparedness at the Beitbridge Border Post—the largest land port between Zimbabwe and South Africa—on Thursday, in anticipation of the end of the festive season.
The Beitbridge Border Post is a crucial gateway connecting South Africa with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Authorities also launched a crime-fighting campaign yesterday to tackle urgent challenges.
Masiapato said they expect a rise in the number of vehicles and people by the weekend’s end.
Given its high volume of travelers and goods, the border post is also a hotspot for illicit activities, such as the smuggling of contraband.
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Pindula News

South Africa and Zimbabwe are working together to stop people from entering South Africa illegally. They are focusing on the Beitbridge Border Post, which is a very important place for people and goods to go between the two countries. The authorities are also trying to stop crimes like smuggling at the border. They are getting ready for more people and cars to come during the festive season. The Border Management Authority is working hard to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely at the border.

South Africa And Zimbabwe Join Hands To Combat Illegal Immigration

The head of South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), Michael Masiapato, will visit the Beitbridge border post between Thursday and Sunday to oversee operations as the volume of southbound traffic peaks at the end of the festive season.
The border has been handling nearly 20,000 travellers daily since December 10, an increase from the usual 13,000 during off-peak periods.
In a statement on Tuesday, the BMA announced that Masiapato will be supported by Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana in conducting law enforcement operations for the return leg of the festive period. Said the BMA:
<blockquote>
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato will be in Beitbridge port of entry from 2 to 5 January 2025 to conduct law enforcement operations for the return leg of the Festive period.
Beitbridge port of entry has seen increased numbers of movement, and more are expected for the return leg.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) is responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to immigration control; port health; access control; biosecurity; food safety and phytosanitary control; land border infrastructure development and maintenance; border information and risk management.
</blockquote>
Border officials on the Zimbabwean side expect South Africa-bound traffic to surge from January 2 to January 10 as the Christmas and New Year’s holidays come to an end.
Meanwhile, there was minimal activity on both sides of the Beitbridge Border Post between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
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The head of Border Management Authority, Michael Masiapato, will visit Beitbridge border post to oversee traffic during busy festive season. Nearly 20,000 travelers daily since December 10, up from 13,000 usual. Masiapato will be supported by Deputy Commissioner for law enforcement operations. More traffic expected from Jan 2-10 as holidays end. Minimal activity between Christmas and New Year. BMA responsible for border law enforcement functions. Border officials prepared for surge in South Africa-bound traffic. Masiapato to oversee operations from January 2 to 5.

Masiapato To Oversee Peak Festive Season Traffic At Beitbridge

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested a kombi driver allegedly trying to smuggle undocumented Zimbabwean children into the country through the Beitbridge port of entry.
According to BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi, the minibus taxi driver was carrying 25 undocumented foreigners when he was intercepted on Monday.
The passengers included 20 children aged between five and 14, who were unlawfully transported under dangerous and inhuman conditions. Said Mogotsi:
<blockquote>
The vehicle used was impounded. The driver has been charged and is in police custody and a conveyance fine of R375,000 has been issued in accordance with the Immigration Act.
Following standard protocols, the children were handed over to the Zimbabwean child welfare authorities for their safety and care while investigations continued.
</blockquote>
BMA acting commissioner Jane Thupana stated that the operation underscores the BMA’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, especially children. She said:
<blockquote>
The trafficking and smuggling of people undermines human dignity and border security and the BMA remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard South Africa’s ports of entry and protect those at risk.
</blockquote>
The commissioner said the BMA will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to combat illegal activities.
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A driver in South Africa was arrested for trying to bring 20 kids from Zimbabwe into the country illegally. The kids were aged 5 to 14 and were in dangerous conditions. The driver has been taken into custody and fined. The children were given to authorities in Zimbabwe for safety. The Border Management Authority is working hard to stop people smuggling and trafficking. They will keep working with others to fight illegal activities at the border.

South African Kombi Driver Arrested For Smuggling Children From Zimbabwe

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) says it has stopped 410 000 people attempting to enter the country illegally since the deployment of the first cohort of the border guards in July 2022.
Briefing journalists on Monday on the entity’s festive season preparation, BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato said that the majority of those were arrested, fingerprinted, declared undesirable for a period of five years, and deported. He added:
<blockquote>
Further, we have been able to detect about 312 high-value vehicles which were meant to illegally exit the country to other jurisdictions in the continent.
In this regard, the matters were handed over to SAPS detectives for further investigations.
</blockquote>
Masiapato also said the BMA will start using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to improve security at the country’s borders. He said:
<blockquote>
Whilst awaiting the delivery of our drones, in this festive season we have forged a partnership with the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development which will be deploying their drones to assist us with an enhanced level of border security and domain awareness at problematic vulnerable segments, the ports and the corridors.
Drone operations will be supported by mobile reaction units which would be situated at, or closer to, the ports of entry to allow for quick reaction and apprehension of illegal migrants and other cross-border criminals.
</blockquote>
He reminded all travellers leaving and or entering South Africa to ensure that all their travel documents are in order. Said Masiapato:
<blockquote>
As required by international protocols, all travellers should be in possession of a valid machine-readable passport and a valid visa where applicable.
Furthermore, travellers are reminded that their passports should have at least one empty page in order to enable the BMA immigration team members to accordingly stamp the passports as required.
This message is also relevant during the return leg in January 2025 as all travellers are expected to present themselves at the designated ports of entry to enter South Africa.
As for those wishing to cross the border using financed vehicles, they should be in possession of a letter from their financing institution authorising them to exit the country with the vehicle.
</blockquote>
Parents wishing to travel with minor children have been advised to have the child’s unabridged birth certificate with them, unless the child’s details are endorsed in the parents’ passport. Said Masiapato:
<blockquote>
In cases where one parent is traveling with a child in the absence of another parent, a consent letter from the absent parent granting permission to the other parent to exit the country with the child will be required.
This requirement is mainly applicable to South Africans intending to exit the country with children. 
Considering the expected high volumes in this festive period, we would like to appeal to all travellers to plan their travel early and exercise patience on the roads towards ports.
</blockquote>
Masiapato also said that the BMA will be deploying 69 additional personnel at selected busiest ports of entry to assist with the delivery of services and provision of technical support to the regular staff members.
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South Africa blocked 410,000 people from entering illegally since July 2022. They were arrested, fingerprinted, and deported. They also stopped high-value vehicles from leaving illegally. Drones will be used for security at the borders. Travelers must have valid passports and visas, and parents with children must have birth certificates or consent letters. 69 more personnel will be deployed at busy ports. They want travelers to plan early and be patient. The goal is to keep the borders safe and secure.

South Africa's Border Guards Blocks 410,000 Illegal Entries Since 2022

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) temporarily closed the Lebombo port of entry on Tuesday night due to violent protests in Mozambique.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said that seven Mozambican police officers had sought refuge with South African border security amid the unrest.
The protests, which began in late October in Maputo, were sparked by the disputed elections on October 9, in which the ruling FRELIMO party, led by Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner.
Masiapato confirmed incidents of violence in Ressano Garcia, a small area in Maputo Province near the Lebombo port and said the South African side remained unaffected. He told <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/lebombo-port-of-entry-set-to-close-amid-violent-post-election-protest-in-mozambique-20241105">News24</a> on Tuesday night:
<blockquote>
Some buildings have been set alight. At the moment we are working on securing the Lebombo border as well as the safety of all cross-border transporters, travellers, traders and officials operating at the port. The border will be closed.
The BMA is coordinating closely with Mozambican authorities and South African law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation and work towards reopening the port as soon as it is safe to do so.
We advise all stakeholders to suspend travel through Lebombo Port until further notice. Alternative routes to Mozambique must be used where feasible at the moment until the situation has stabilised.
The BMA and its counterparts are working urgently to address the situation, and we appreciate the cooperation we are receiving at the moment.
</blockquote>
Violent protests broke out in Maputo following the announcement of Mozambique’s election results on October 24.
According to AFP, the ruling party Frelimo was re-elected, with its candidate Daniel Chapo receiving 71% of the vote, based on a contested official count.
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South Africa closed the Lebombo border post because of violent protests in Mozambique. Mozambican police officers sought refuge in South Africa. Protests started after disputed elections in October. Buildings were set on fire in Maputo Province. South African side of the border was safe. Authorities are working to reopen the border. The ruling party won the election but there were concerns about the vote count. Travelers should avoid Lebombo Port for now. Situation is being closely monitored and alternative routes should be used. Our cooperation is needed to address the situation quickly.

South Africa Shuts Lebombo Border Post Due To Mozambique Protests

Michael Masiapato, the Commissioner of South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), has said good working relations between his country and Zimbabwe will help to resolve border challenges between the two countries.
<a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/better-relations-between-sa-and-zim-will-resolve-border-challenges/">SABC News</a> reported that Zimbabwe is in the process of developing a Border Ports Authority Bill whose aim is to establish the Zimbabwe Border Ports Authority.
Masiapato said that border officials from South Africa and Zimbabwe are currently engaged in talks in Pretoria.
He added that Zimbabwe has a lot to learn from the approach of South Africa which has established a new border management system. Said Masiapato:
<blockquote>
We do believe that moving away from the multi-agency approach, as far as border management is concerned, to an integrated border management model with a single command in control, is a key step in effective border management.
Our focus must be on the legitimate movement of persons and goods across our borders, to grow our economy and ultimately ensure the realization of regional economic integration.
This is very much critical as the step towards the realization and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
</blockquote>
South Africa unveiled the BMA in its northernmost province of Limpopo in October 2023 in a bid to combat cross-border crime.
The BMA was designed to address security, migration, safety, congestion, and long transit problems at the borders.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"SA, Zimbabwe Should Collaborate To Resolve Border Challenges"

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (MBA) has reportedly intensified operations to block Zimbabwean parents based in the neighbouring country from allegedly using unlawful methods to get their children into the country during the school holidays and festive season.
Reports from South African media claim the use of unlawful methods to get unaccompanied children from Zimbabwe into the country has become widespread.
According to the BMA, Zimbabwean children entering South Africa with a parent, both parents or a guardian, only need their passports to cross the border.
However, unaccompanied children entering South Africa need to carry passports with a host of other documents, such as copies of their birth certificates, parental consent letters, copies of both parents’ passports and death certificates in the case of a deceased parent.
<a href="https://www.groundup.org.za/article/south-africa-cracks-down-on-zimbabwean-children-entering-country-to-visit-their-parents/">GroundUp</a> reported that for Zimbabwean parents living in South Africa, especially those on a Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP), getting all the documents in order can be a huge challenge.
As a result, parents often pay bus companies an extra fee to “smuggle” the children over the border.
Just before reaching the border, children, including babies, are removed from buses and carried across the border by runners who meet buses on the other side.
South African border officials are not accepting affidavits commissioned by ZEP holders in South Africa unless they are commissioned in a court of law.
On 3 December, the BMA claimed it had intercepted 42 buses coming from Zimbabwe between 2 and 3 December.
The BMA said among the passengers on the buses were 443 unaccompanied children under the age of eight.
The Zimbabwean Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage dismissed the claims, saying “no such incident occurred” and there was no record of buses being intercepted and children being handed back to Zimbabwean authorities.
But the BMA maintained in a 6 December statement that 443 unaccompanied children were stopped from entering South Africa.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa Cracks Down On Zimbabwean Children "Smuggled" Over The Border

The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe, rejected claims by South African officials that 42 buses carrying 443 unaccompanied minors were intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post on the SA side.
Kazembe on Tuesday, 05 December told journalists in Harare that the claims were false. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zimbabwe-has-no-record-of-child-trafficking-in-sa/">The Herald</a> quoted Kazembe as saying:
<blockquote>
We have noted with concern media statements attributed to the Minister of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, alleging that 42 buses carrying 443 unaccompanied minors were intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post on the South African side. We wish to categorically state that no such incident occurred.
If there was a case of human trafficking of minors, the buses, the drivers and the crew would now have been arrested facing human trafficking charges as guided by the Trafficking In Persons legislation common to both jurisdictions in line with our regional and international obligations.
</blockquote>
Kazembe said as of Tuesday night, Zimbabwe had not received the children allegedly intercepted by South African authorities. He said:
<blockquote>
To date, Beitbridge Border Post has no record of any 42 buses denied entry into South Africa or 443 minors intercepted or handed over to Zimbabwe authorities.
If there is any information to the contrary, we hope to be advised through the well-established communication channels between the two countries.
</blockquote>
Kazembe added that the Government was aware that during festive periods, Zimbabwean parents based in South Africa would invite their children to that country once schools closed. He said:
<blockquote>
We are, however, aware that during the festive period, once schools close, Zimbabwe parents resident in South Africa, especially on Zimbabwe Exemption Permits, which do not allow for the inclusion of any dependants, invite their children to South Africa for the festive season.
It is a requirement that the minors travel with their guardians accompanied by supporting affidavits obtained from their consenting parents in line with agreed procedures.
However, of late, the South African authorities are not accepting commissioned affidavits preferring that the minors and their guardians tender affidavits commissioned by local courts.
As Zimbabwe, we remain committed to cooperating with our South African counterparts and the region to ensure that movement through our borders remains safe, orderly and regular.
</blockquote>
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) Michael Masiapato was on Sunday quoted as saying 443 unaccompanied children were intercepted at the Beitbridge Border Post allegedly being trafficked into the country from Zimbabwe on Saturday night.
Masiapato said that a total of 42 buses intended for South Africa were stopped and searched in a sting operation at the border post in Musina, Limpopo.
He also said the children were denied entry “and we activated the Zimbabwean officials to process them back into Zimbabwe.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Denies Child Trafficking Claims By South African Officials

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) says 443 unaccompanied children were intercepted at the Beitbridge Border Post allegedly being trafficked into the country from Zimbabwe on Saturday night, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/south-africa-says-it-intercepted-443-children-being-trafficked-through-beitbridge/">ZimLive</a>.
Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato said that the children are being returned to Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
A sting operation was conducted by the border guards, the Home Affairs anti-corruption team as well as members of the South African Police Service at the Beitbridge border post.
They were able to stop and search about 42 buses trying to enter the republic and out of that we found 443 children under the age of eight that were in those buses without any parent or any guardian. They were being trafficked into South Africa.
</blockquote>
Masiapato said the children were denied entry “and we activated the Zimbabwean officials to process them back into Zimbabwe.”
It is believed the children were going to join their parents for the Christmas holidays after schools closed on 01 December.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa Intercepts 443 Zimbabwean Children Being "Trafficked" Through Beitbridge

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Mike Masiapato has said Zimbabweans who cross the border into South Africa without passports to buy scarce goods and go back to their country are not necessarily criminals. 
Speaking on the SA television channel Newzroom Africa, Masiapato said BMA is not targetting all Zimbabweans who cross the border into South Africa without passports but those involved in criminal activities such as smuggling contraband.
Masiapato conceded that passports are very expensive for some Zimbabweans to acquire in their home country yet they need to buy groceries in Musina for re-sale back home. He said:
<blockquote>
We have committed to start engaging along the separation of the various groups of people that we are dealing with so that we can be able to isolate those individuals who are supposed to be a target of law enforcers, those who are supposed to be the criminals.
If you were to look at the situation between us and Zimbabwe, it basically presents a number of groupings for different purposes.
A typical example is… we have a lot of Zimbabweans who have documents, who basically come into South Africa in Musina town in particular to procure normal foodstuffs, things that they need to go and sell back in Zimbabwe primarily because they are not able to access them on the Zimbabwean side either because they are too expensive or they are unavailable. Those ones we facilitate on a daily basis.
But there is a second group which is fairly the same kind of people who want to come and buy things and go sell them but they don’t have passports.
The reason they don’t have passports is the expensive nature of the reality of getting a passport on the Zimbabwean side and don’t they access them.
They are not necessarily criminals, they just don’t have passports. So they will then cross the border into South Africa and buy things.
So those are the ones that we are going to be able to have a mechanism as to how do we address those groups of individuals with the Zimbabweans.
Then we separate those who must be the real target of our work and those who are pushing illegal things.
</blockquote>
BMA is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service.
It is mandated to perform border management functions within ports of entry as well as the law enforcement area.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans Crossing Into SA Without Passports To Buy Groceries Are Not Criminals, Says Border Management Authority Official

At least 20 000 travellers crossed from South Africa into Zimbabwe at the Beitbridge Border Post in Musina, Limpopo, from the 23rd to the 24th of December, according to the Border Management Authority (BMA).
Unlike in the past years, travellers were not spending nights in the queue before being processed.
BMA commissioner Mike Masiapato says the Beitbridge Border Post is experiencing a high number of people crossing than other ports of entry. He said:
<blockquote>
Inside the port, all the process is up and running in terms of the ICT or the computers.
We always have challenges where during load shedding the system is always going down.
This time we make sure that we have experts on the ground, so the capacity is here, additional capacity.
I can indicate that the average we are able to process over a period is about 15 000.
Last, we have processed over 14 000 and up to this point, we processed over 8 000 trucks. We processed about 600 in a 24-hour basis.
</blockquote>
People who were crossing to the Zimbabwean side at Beitbridge Border Post from South Africa commended border officials for improving services. One of the travellers said:
<blockquote>
The service at the border, I just arrived now but it’s moving. I hope we are going to reach home in time.
Me, I would clap for immigration because there are no queues. These guys are well-organised. It is moving 100%; I give them a clap.
</blockquote>
However, traffic was heavily congested on the N1 road between Musina, a town in South Africa, and the border post. |<a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/more-than-20-000-immigrants-cross-from-south-africa-into-zimbabwe-at-the-beitbridge-border-post/"> SABC News</a>

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