The Border Management Authority (BMA) is ready to ensure the smooth return of travelers into South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post in Musina, Limpopo this coming weekend. This is according BMA Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato.

Masiapato is on a four-day programme to asses operations at the port of entry that connects the country to Zimbabwe. He says they have been working hard to intercept illegal goods from entering the country.

“Since this morning, the 3rd of January 2025, we have been able to process over 9,500 people that have been coming into SA returning from their holiday destinations. And at the same time, we have been able to also intercept 70 individuals that have been trying to enter the Republic illegally. We have also reactivated our area for the scanning of all the bags that the people are carrying into SA in order to ensure that we intercept any illegal things,” says Masiapato.

Masiapato says they will continue using drone technology to intercept border jumpers.

“We are also very ready to handle the high volumes that are expected over the weekend, that is starting tomorrow and as well as Sunday the 5th. We are continuing to do the work and we should be able to get everybody safely back into the country. Whist at the same time we have deployed our drones here to be able to pick up those who will attempt to enter the country illegally, particularly through the vulnerable segments of the borderline,” he says.

Beitbridge Border Post I SA, Zim join forces to prevent the smuggling of goods and border jumping: