Border authorities in South Africa apprehended 164 individuals attempting to cross the Beitbridge border post illegally in just 24 hours.
Border authorities in South Africa have apprehended 164 individuals attempting to enter the country illegally through the Beitbridge border post within a 24-hour period. These attempts involved various methods, including packed cars and makeshift boats on the Limpopo River. Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato oversaw operations throughout the weekend, with the Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepting numerous unauthorized crossings amid heightened holiday season traffic.
One apprehended individual admitted to previous illegal crossings, stating: 'For me, this is the second time to use this road. So, I don't know where to run and hide myself. That's why, when I saw police officers, I just stand, I just stop running. I don't know where I was supposed to go and hide myself.' The BMA organized the Beitbridge border post into zones to efficiently process both pedestrian travelers and bus arrivals. Many legitimate travelers reported crossing the border for New Year's shopping, carrying items such as school uniforms, snacks, food, diapers, and other essentials. The border post is experiencing high volumes as people return to South Africa for work following the festive season. The BMA acknowledged that some individuals act as scouts, diverting attention to facilitate larger groups' illegal crossings. In one instance, after intercepting a scout, authorities discovered a group of nine people hiding in shrubs, attempting to transport items as large as a double-door refrigerator through the challenging terrain between Zimbabwe and South Africa. 'We will give a detailed report through a press conference when we conclude the Festive season operations,' the BMA stated on its X account
BORDER CROSSING SOUTH AFRICA ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BEITBRIDGE HOLIDAY SEASON
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hundreds arrested at Lebombo for illegally attempting to cross South Africa-Mozambique borderAround 26 000 people have been legally processed over the past day.
Read more »
Passenger safety a priority for taxi operators: Western Cape SANTACO - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.Between 1 December 2023 and 11 January this year, the province recorded 164 traffic fatalities.
Read more »
Lebombo Border Closure Impacts Trade Between South Africa and MozambiqueThe closure of the Lebombo border between South Africa and Mozambique for several days due to post-election protests has resulted in a 20% decline in trade compared to 2023. The border reopened, but the disruption highlighted the vulnerability of regional trade to political instability.
Read more »
Troep - The Things They Carried: A Powerful Look at the South African Border WarA new book, 'Troep - The Things They Carried', by former editor of Die Burger and outdoor magazine Weg, Bun Booyens, explores the experiences of ordinary soldiers during the South African Border War. Based on interviews and stories from over 100 veterans, the book delves into their memories of camaraderie, hardship, and loss. While touching on aspects like army life, raids, and dangers faced, the book's true power lies in its ability to weave a tapestry of nostalgia and melancholy, leaving readers deeply moved by the soldiers' stories.
Read more »
South Africa's Border Management Authority Seeks More Resources to Combat Crime at BeitbridgeThe South African Border Management Authority (BMA) has concluded a four-day assessment program at the Beitbridge Border Post, highlighting the need for additional resources to effectively combat crime and manage the flow of people. While BMA officials facilitated the movement of over 20,000 people and deployed technology like drones and bodycams to intercept smugglers, they acknowledge the challenges posed by criminals using binoculars to evade detection and the need for more specialized personnel in areas like immigration, port health, and biosecurity.
Read more »
Drones Help Curb Illegal Border Crossings at BeitbridgeThe Border Management Authority (BMA) reports success using drones to prevent illegal border crossings at the Beitbridge Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Read more »