Two incidents of alleged people smuggling was uncovered by the Border Management Authority (BMA) officers at the Beitbridge and Lebombo border posts.
Commissioner Michael Masiapato commended officers for their work.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said on Sunday that recent operations at the Beitbridge and Lebombo Ports of Entry have resulted in significant breakthroughs in disrupting illegal activities, including people smuggling.
Mogotsi said on Friday that vigilant BMA border guards intercepted a minibus taxi and arrested the driver for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children from Mozambique into South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry. The children were aged between four and 16 years.
“The driver was immediately arrested and charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry in accordance with the Immigration Act. The rescued children were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and support,” she said.
In an incident on Saturday, Mogotsi said eight Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry while allegedly attempting to enter the country illegally without valid travel documents.
“The individuals were dropped off by a minibus taxi near the port and were apprehended by BMA border guards during routine patrols,” she said.
The BMA said it would continue to intensify efforts to safeguard South Africa’s ports of entry and ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals. Commissioner Masiapato commended the commitment and vigilance of the BMA border guards.
Masiapato said the actions of these border guards continue to disrupt criminal activities and uphold the integrity of the country’s Ports of Entry.
“These incidents highlight the critical role our border guards play in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and preventing the exploitation of our borders by criminal syndicates. The Border Management Authority remains steadfast in its mission to combat illegal activities and protect the sovereignty of South Africa.”
“We are now in the festive period, and our deployments have been intensified to intercept and deal with criminality in the border environment,” said Masiapato.
The BMA called on all citizens and stakeholders to report any suspicious activities at or near ports of entry. Community vigilance and cooperation are vital in the fight against border-related crimes.