The Border Management Authority (BMA) has reported major law enforcement successes as it intensifies operations at South Africa’s ports of entry and along vulnerable sections of the borderline during the busy festive period.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the authority has adopted a heightened operational posture to deal with increased cross-border movements. He confirmed that border operations across the country are continuing smoothly, with the processing of travellers and goods remaining largely uninterrupted at all ports of entry.
One of the most significant breakthroughs was recorded on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at Kosi Bay. At around 17:00, BMA law enforcement officers intercepted two Mozambican male nationals entering South Africa from Mozambique in a silver Volvo S40. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 46 fraudulently stamped Mozambican passports hidden under a mat in the boot.
Officers also recovered R34 890 in cash, which is believed to be the proceeds of illegal activities. According to the BMA, the suspects attempted to bribe officials with the same cash in an effort to avoid arrest. When the bribery attempt failed, the suspects resisted arrest before being subdued by officers.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with fraud, bribery and resisting arrest. Commissioner Masiapato said the incident demonstrates the authority’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption and its commitment to disrupting transnational organised crime networks operating at the borders.
The BMA has also noted shifting movement patterns as enforcement pressure increases in certain areas. On 18 December, BMA Border Guards intercepted 585 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals at the Grobler Bridge port of entry between South Africa and Botswana. The group was found moving through vulnerable sections of the borderline without travel documents while exiting South Africa.
The individuals were also carrying goods that should have been declared through formal customs processes. The BMA said such movements pose risks to border security and economic regulation, particularly during peak travel periods.
In another interception, about 142 Basotho nationals were stopped at Sani Pass as daily cross-border movements continue to rise. The authority said it remains on high alert to manage both incoming and outgoing travel while ensuring that immigration and customs laws are enforced.
Meanwhile, operations at the Sendelingsdrift Port of Entry between South Africa and Namibia have been temporarily suspended due to safety concerns. Persistent rainfall has caused water levels to rise, making it unsafe for the pontoon used for cross-border movement. The BMA said it is monitoring the situation closely and will announce the reopening of the port once conditions improve.
As part of ongoing oversight during the festive season, Commissioner Masiapato continues to operate on the ground. On Friday morning, he was scheduled to proceed to the Maseru Bridge Port of Entry, which has already experienced increased volumes of travellers arriving and departing.
Despite the rise in traffic, the BMA said the situation at Maseru Bridge remains manageable. Adequate personnel have been deployed, and systems are functioning effectively to ensure smooth processing.
The BMA reiterated its commitment to facilitating legitimate travel and trade while preventing illegal activities and safeguarding South Africa’s borders. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities through the BMA hotline or official platforms as operations continue nationwide.
