BMA steps up festive season security with arrests linked to human trafficking and visa fraud. Picture Credits: MSN
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – OR Tambo International Airport officials have intercepted two groups of foreign nationals in operations linked to human trafficking, irregular migration, and visa fraud.
Acting Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Jane Thupana confirmed that the interceptions took place on Thursday, 11 December 2025, as part of increased border security measures ahead of the festive season.
In the first incident, 14 Ethiopian nationals – five men and nine women – were stopped upon arrival on an Ethiopian Airlines flight after advance passenger data flagged their travel patterns as suspicious. Preliminary checks indicated a method often associated with trafficking syndicates, in which travellers transit through South Africa to neighbouring countries before attempting to re-enter the country irregularly. All 14 were detained for further processing.
In a separate operation, 16 Bangladeshi men were intercepted after officers discovered they were travelling with fraudulent visas. The group had arrived on another Ethiopian Airlines flight and were attempting to blend in with other passengers in the arrivals terminal. Immigration officers referred the group for secondary investigation, where the documents were confirmed to be fake.
The BMA says the operations highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and prevent irregular migration and human trafficking, particularly during the busy holiday season.
Well done beloved patriotic south Africans.
Remove the corrupt practices and these foreign reprobates from our land . Almighty God bless south Africa more and more. So be it.