Two BMA officials, foreign nationals and facilitators arrested at Beitbridge

Two Border Management Authority (BMA) immigration officials were among the nine arrested at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Tuesday.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in corruption and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Two executive members of the BMA led the intelligence-driven operation, which followed movement monitoring and technological surveillance at the port.

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After confirming suspicious behaviour, the executives contacted the South African Police Service (Saps) in Musina, the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) to process the case further.

Officials allegedly received bribes

“During the operation, the executives observed a white Mercedes-Benz taxi parked near a shop at the port. Two BMA Immigration officials, a 61-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, were seen engaging with the facilitator. They subsequently allowed it to pass through, allegedly after receiving a bribe,” said the BMA.

“The vehicle was intercepted shortly thereafter and was found to be transporting 18 passengers, 13 of whom held valid travel documents, while five were undocumented foreign nationals. A female passenger and the taxi driver, believed to have facilitated the illegal entry, were also arrested.”

All nine suspects were charged with corruption and appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.

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The five undocumented individuals face additional charges under the Immigration Act.

The BMA has since suspended the two implicated officials, pending the outcome of internal disciplinary processes and the criminal investigation.

“This operation is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to uprooting corruption and illegal activities at our borders. The actions of those entrusted with enforcing the law, yet who choose to undermine it for personal gain, will not be tolerated,” said acting provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala.

BMA technology boost

Earlier this month, the BMA announced it would add technology to its resources to augment Easter operations.

In a media briefing, the BMA announced it had received 40 body-worn cameras and drones worth R150 million to monitor border operations.

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The cameras were deployed at BMA offices, OR Tambo International Airport, the Ficksburg and Maseru border posts.

They allow control room observers to view live footage from the BMA officers.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the drones feature advanced night vision cameras, including thermal detection technology.

“They are powered by Artificial Intelligence, enabling the devices to recognise and lock onto heat sources, such as moving people or vehicles,” said Schreiber.

“They can travel at speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour and are capable of operating in remote rural areas, without access to GPS, and even underground. The drones launch within 15 seconds, are durable and waterproof, and capable of operating under all weather conditions.”

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The BMA said it would train eight officers to become expert drone pilots.

They will operate the devices on a shift basis and will move around different ports in the country.