Zuko Komisa
- South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced it intercepted and deported nearly 10 000 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally in the first financial quarter.
- The majority of those apprehended were from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, with most being either undocumented, inadmissible, or undesirable.
- In addition to illegal immigration, the BMA also successfully seized stolen vehicles and a substantial amount of counterfeit goods, valued at over a million rand.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced it intercepted and deported close to 10 000 individuals attempting to enter South Africa illegally during the first quarter of the financial year.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato detailed the agency’s performance in a media briefing on Sunday.
Of the 9 954 people stopped, 5 826 were found to be undocumented, while 2 127 were deemed inadmissible and 2 001 were classed as ‘undesirable’.
The majority of these individuals were from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Dr Masiapato highlighted the BMA’s significant impact since its inception, stating that since July 2022, border guards have prevented approximately 496 622 people from entering the country unlawfully.
Commissioner Masiapato of @TheBMA_SA highlights that the report covers the period 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2025. The briefing is taking place just three days after the launch of Women’s Month in South Africa. In light of this, @TheBMA_SA would like to celebrate all the women who… pic.twitter.com/vxeX08tHZR
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) August 3, 2025
Curbing Crime and Illicit Trade
The briefing also revealed the BMA’s success in tackling cross-border crime. The authority’s law enforcement teams intercepted and handed over 15 suspected stolen vehicles to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation. In a separate operation, 349 vehicles intended for smuggling out of the country were also stopped.
In a crackdown on the illicit trade, border guards seized counterfeit goods including 32 bales of clothing and 201 pairs of footwear, with an estimated value of R1 098 000. Additionally, the BMA identified and confiscated 14 passports with fraudulent immigration stamps, underscoring ongoing efforts to undermine national security.
The BMA’s report provides a snapshot of the challenges at South Africa’s borders and the authority’s efforts to combat illegal immigration and criminal activities.
READ NEXT: SASSA August payments confirmed as review process begins
