The Border Management Authority’s (BMA) recent operations to disrupt illegal activities has led to the arrest of a suspect who attempted to smuggle 14 children through the Lebombo border post, and the thwarting of illegal immigrants at Beitbridge.
The BMA said in a statement that BMA border guards had intercepted a minibus taxi attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children from Mozambique, aged between four and 16 years, into South Africa through the Lebombo border.
“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,” the BMA said.
In a second incident, eight Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at the Beitbridge port of entry while attempting to illegally enter the country without valid travel documents on Saturday. The immigrants were dropped off by a minibus taxi near the port and apprehended by BMA border guards during routine patrols.
BMA Commissioner, Michael Masiapato, commended the border guards for their commitment and vigilance in upholding the integrity of the 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,” said Masiapato.
“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.”
He said during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the BMA wanted to emphasise its commitment to ensuring ports of entry were not exploited for any form of criminal activities, including human smuggling of women and children.
