BMA reports decline in illegal crossings at Beitbridge after drone deployment

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is reporting a decrease in illegal border crossing attempts at Beitbridge following the introduction of drone surveillance technology.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato revealed during a monitoring visit that the number of arrests dropped from 101 to 75 in consecutive days, indicating the effectiveness of the new security measures.

Masiapato is conducting an oversight visit to the Beitbridge border post as South Africa braces for peak traffic from returning holidaymakers from Zimbabwe and other parts of the continent this weekend.

BMA focused on deterring illegal crossers

During his visit, Masiapato focused on monitoring the implementation of drone technology at the border, which provides aerial surveillance capabilities.

“What it means is people are starting to be aware that we also have deployed drones. So on that basis, we now see a reduction of people trying to attempt to enter the country illegally,” Masiapato told Newzroom Afrika during his visit to the border post.

According to the BMA, these drones offer a comprehensive view of border law enforcement areas, enabling border guards to swiftly intercept and arrest individuals attempting unauthorised crossings into the country.

“The BMA Commissioner’s monitoring visit to Beitbridge is taking place during the return leg of festive season operations.

“Commissioner Masiapato monitored operations at the borderline in order to get a firm grasp of the situation on the ground.

“All law enforcement authorities were on the ground to arrest perpetrators trying to cross illegally to SA,” the authority stated.

ALSO READ: Hundreds arrested at Lebombo for illegally attempting to cross SA-Mozambique border

Masiapato emphasised that deterrence, rather than arrests, is the primary objective of their enhanced security measures.

“Remember, the purpose is not to keep on chasing people, keeping on arresting people. The purpose is to deter people from coming into the country illegally,” he explained.

Border screening process tightened

The BMA has also strengthened its security screening processes with the introduction of new baggage scanning systems.

“The introduction of the scanner where we scan all the bags, again, we are trying to deal with these issues of people bringing things into the country that are not actually acceptable,” Masiapato said.

“Otherwise, if we just let everybody go in, literally as if they are just walking in, we will look like we are doing better facilitation, but from a security point of view, we will be very much irresponsible.”

To manage the expected surge in returning holiday travelers, the border post is operating around the clock.

BMA Commissioner dr Michael Masiapato says the introduction of modern security technology has proven effective, citing a decrease in illegal entry attempts into the country since Wednesday. #Newzroom405's @Vee_Makhoali.

Watch: https://t.co/GeMAf6k76x pic.twitter.com/htKO0zUllw

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 4, 2025

Traffic surge

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Masiapato detailed the scale of border movements during the festive period.

The BMA had initially projected approximately six million people moving in and out of the country.

Beitbridge has emerged as the busiest land port this season, surpassing the Lebombo border post which held this distinction last year.

“When we compare with Lebombo, last year, Lebombo actually facilitated the majority of the people, but this time, Beitbridge actually tops in terms of land ports.

“You’ll remember in terms of air, it is actually OR Tambo International Airport,” Masiapato explained.

He noted that over 300 000 people had already departed South Africa through Zimbabwe, with similar or higher numbers expected to return.

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BMA enhanced security measures

The return phase of the operation presents unique challenges, particularly regarding border security.

“When it comes to the return leg, that is the biggest issue,” Masiapato said.

“What becomes then the fundamental focus of the work that we have to do as the Border Management Authority is then the issue of making sure only people with requisite documents are allowed into the country, both at the port of entry, but we also have to monitor the vulnerable segments along the borderline.”

The operation involves coordination between multiple agencies, including the BMA border guards, South African Police Service (Saps), South African National Defence Force (Sandf), and intelligence services.

Masiapato also highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with Zimbabwean authorities, though noting challenges in cross-border cooperation regarding illegal entry prevention.

ALSO READ: Lebombo border crossing handles holiday rush with ease as backlog of trucks cleared

BMA technological advancements

Comparing current operations to previous years, Masiapato emphasised the significant improvement brought by drone technology.

“Last year, we didn’t have drones, as it were. And basically, we were literally deploying the border guards, the Sandf on the vulnerable segments on the borderline, by just literally going through,” he explained.

The new drone system allows for more effective surveillance and response.

“The drones are going to be flying around here in the port itself, but also flying through into the vulnerable segments,” Masiapato said.

“They will be able to demonstrate to us areas where are very much problematic and where people are trying to enter the country illegally.”

ALSO READ: Operations running smoothly at Lebombo border as drones help BMA monitor immigrants trying to enter SA illegally

This technology is supported by response teams equipped with two-way radios for rapid deployment to intercept unauthorised border crossings.

The return leg of the operation, which began on New Year’s Day, is expected to continue through the weekend until 15 January.

It will focus on managing heavy traffic flow from buses and trucks while ensuring proper passport processing and border security.

“So from where we are sitting, we are fairly doing well. We’ll see how today unfold and tomorrow [Sunday], and then we’ll take it from there,” Masiapato concluded.

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