South Africa arrests 585 Zimbabwean border jumpers

South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted 585 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals at the Groblers Bridge port of entry into Botswana after they were found travelling without valid documents.

The BMA said the group was also carrying goods that should have been declared through normal customs procedures. In a separate operation, another 142 undocumented Basotho nationals were intercepted at the Sani Pass border post.

BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said operations at the Sendelingsdrift port of entry between South Africa and Namibia have been temporarily suspended due to rising water levels caused by persistent rainfall. He said the conditions pose a safety risk to the pontoon used for cross-border movement as well as to travellers moving between the two countries.

"The Border Management Authority continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions improve," said Masiapato.

Despite increased volumes of travellers during the peak period, the BMA said the situation at ports of entry remains manageable, with adequate personnel deployed and systems operating optimally. The authority said enhanced security measures implemented across the country's borders are proving effective in detecting and stopping law transgressors.

The current operations form part of a strengthened, multi-layered strategy aimed at ensuring safe, efficient and coordinated border management during the busy travel season. Masiapato said the BMA remains on high alert as daily movements increase, stressing its commitment to facilitating legitimate travel and trade while decisively preventing illegal activities and safeguarding South Africa's borders.

The commissioner is overseeing operations on the ground, with the processing of people and goods continuing smoothly and without disruption at ports of entry across the country.

In a separate incident on December 18, BMA law enforcement officers at the Kosi Bay port of entry intercepted two Mozambican male nationals who were 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.

Authorities also confiscated R34 890 in cash from the suspects, which is believed to be proceeds from illicit activities. According to Masiapato, the suspects attempted to bribe BMA officials with the same amount of money in an effort to evade arrest.

"Both suspects were subsequently arrested and charged with fraud, resisting arrest and bribery," said Masiapato. "This interception reflects the BMA's zero tolerance for corruption and the facilitation of transnational organised crime."