High volumes, heightened vigilance: Border officials stay alert during Christmas and Boxing Day travel. Picture Credit: BMA.Gov
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – The Border Management Authority (BMA) prevented 88 individuals classified as “undesirable” foreigners from entering South Africa on Christmas Day, while also intercepting a suspected smuggling attempt involving counterfeit Nike sneakers during heightened festive border operations.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said the individuals were declared undesirable upon arrival at various ports of entry, largely due to previously overstaying the permitted 90-day visa-free period in South Africa. He confirmed that all cases were handled in line with immigration regulations.
“Those declared undesirable had contravened the conditions of their earlier visits,” Masiapato said, adding that the authority remained firm in enforcing compliance at borders, particularly during high-traffic periods such as the festive season.
Christmas Day also saw significant cross-border movement, particularly along routes leading into Mozambique. According to the BMA, more than 18,450 people were processed while exiting South Africa on the day. Of these, approximately 450 individuals — mainly women and children — were processed manually due to system capacity pressures.
Masiapato said BMA officials were capturing the details of those manually processed into the Enhanced Movement Control System to ensure accurate records and continuity of border management processes.
“There were no major interceptions reported, particularly along the mountainous areas,” he said, noting that operations remained calm but closely monitored.
However, border officials recorded a notable interception on Boxing Day, when a Mozambican national was caught attempting to smuggle more than 80 counterfeit Nike sneakers into South Africa. The goods were seized during routine inspections, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In a separate case, a man suspected of facilitating illegal migration was arrested for aiding and abetting, in accordance with the Immigration Act. Authorities confirmed that all affected individuals are being processed through the appropriate immigration and law enforcement channels.
“All affected individuals are being processed in line with applicable immigration and law enforcement prescripts,” Masiapato said.
Cargo movement through key border routes also remained steady. The BMA confirmed that 805 trucks were cleared at KM7, transporting goods from South Africa into Mozambique and onward to the Port of Maputo. Officials further confirmed that the N4 route remained clear, ensuring uninterrupted movement of freight towards the Lebombo port of entry.
Masiapato said the authority remained fully deployed across ports of entry and along the borderline during the peak festive period.
“The BMA remains vigilant, ensuring the facilitation of legitimate movement while preventing illegal activities at our borders,” he said.
