JOHANNESBURG – The Border Management Authority (BMA) says the number of undocumented immigrants entering South Africa declined by 42 percent compared with the 2024/2025 festive season.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato says more than 22,000 undocumented individuals were intercepted for offences including overstaying, invalid passports, fraudulent visas and failure to produce yellow fever certificates.
The majority of those intercepted were Basotho nationals.
Masiapato says the decline can largely be attributed to the deployment of drones along the country’s borders.
ALSO READ | Illegal border crossings: Parents could face jail time
“This represents a significant decline, which can be attributed to the deterrent effect created by the deployment of drones in the border environment,” he said.
Earlier this month, the BMA met with Zimbabwean authorities to address the rising number of undocumented children intercepted at the Beitbridge border post.
More than 50 undocumented minors were intercepted at the Beitbridge port of entry in two separate incidents this month.
Two Zimbabwean men were arrested and are expected to face charges under the Immigration Act.
eNCA
Read More