Border Management Authority (BMA)

BMA Intercepts Undocumented Travellers at Multiple Borders

The Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, said the BMA has adopted a heightened operational posture to deal with increased cross-border movements. Photo: BMA

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… Continue reading BMA Intercepts Undocumented Travellers at Multiple Borders

30 Foreign Nationals Intercepted at OR Tambo

OR Tambo The Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted 30 foreign nationals in two separate operations. Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana said investigations confirmed that the foreign nationals did not intend to travel for legitimate reasons. Photo: Supplied

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has uncovered what appears to be growing and coordinated human trafficking and irregular migration networks operating through OR Tambo International Airport. The latest interceptions carried out on 11 December 2025 have renewed concerns about South Africa’s exposure to transnational criminal groups that continue to exploit weaknesses in the aviation and… Continue reading 30 Foreign Nationals Intercepted at OR Tambo

Gift of the Givers Slams Home Affairs Over Refugee Ordeal

Gift of the Givers has criticised the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority for the inhumane treatment of 153 Palestinian refugees who were held on a plane at OR Tambo International Airport for 13 hours on Thursday. The humanitarian organisation said the prolonged delay caused distress to children, pregnant women, and other… Continue reading Gift of the Givers Slams Home Affairs Over Refugee Ordeal

BMA Cracks Down on Border Crimes, Launches New Security Stamps

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has ramped up efforts to secure South Africa’s ports of entry, releasing a detailed first-quarter performance report for the 2025/26 financial year on Sunday, 3 August. The report highlights major crackdowns on illegal immigration, smuggling, and cross-border health threats — while also marking the official rollout of tamper-proof immigration stamps… Continue reading BMA Cracks Down on Border Crimes, Launches New Security Stamps

Home Affairs, BMA Use Drones, Body Cameras to Secure South African Borders During Easter Holidays

NEW TECH: The Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Agency (BMA) have introduced drones and body cameras in ports of entries. Photo: GCIS

The Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Agency (BMA) have announced the introduction of drones to monitor the country’s borders during the upcoming Easter long weekend where cross-border movement is expected to intensify. The department, and its agency tasked with managing South Africa’s ports of entries, also announced the introduction of body cameras… Continue reading Home Affairs, BMA Use Drones, Body Cameras to Secure South African Borders During Easter Holidays

Border Breach: SANDF Battles Illegal Crossings And Smuggling At SA-Zimbabwe

Lieutenant Colonel Mzoxolo Ketsekile, Battalion Commander of Operation Corona said numerous soldiers have been deployed along the border to combat illegal migration and the smuggling of goods. Photo: Nomazulu Moyo

Musina, Limpopo – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is battling to contain illegal migrants crossing into South Africa from the Zimbabwe border, said a SANDF official. Briefing the media recently in Musina, Lieutenant Colonel Mzoxolo Ketsekile, Battalion Commander of Operation Corona, said they have deployed many soldiers along the border to stop people… Continue reading Border Breach: SANDF Battles Illegal Crossings And Smuggling At SA-Zimbabwe

Screen Officials, Introduce Drones and Patrol Back Routes To End Cross-Border Smuggling, Says Former Cop

Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is embroilled in a legal battle with inspects a port of entry. The University J report argued that the Department of Home Affairs’ insistence on cutting the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) would result in a loss of critical skills and cause homelessness for foreign nationals working in the country.

South African authorities should screen all officials, patrol back routes and introduce technology tools such as drones on the country’s borderlines if they are serious about fighting cross-border crime and human trafficking. This is according to a former police officer turned crime researcher who spoke to African Times in the wake of the arrests of… Continue reading Screen Officials, Introduce Drones and Patrol Back Routes To End Cross-Border Smuggling, Says Former Cop

South Africa Launches New Border Management Authority

JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) — South Africa on Thursday unveiled the Border Management Authority (BMA) in its northernmost province of Limpopo in a bid to combat cross-border crime. Established in response to a number of serious challenges, the BMA was designed to address security, migration, safety, congestion, and long transit problems at the borders, said… Continue reading South Africa Launches New Border Management Authority