Vongai Masuka

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted approximately 500 Zimbabwean nationals attempting to leave South Africa illegally through the Groblersbrug border post into Botswana.

The interceptions, which occurred over a 48-hour period during the peak Christmas travel surge, indicate a tactical shift by undocumented migrants seeking to avoid intensified security at the traditional Beitbridge crossing.

BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato confirmed the development to SABC News, stating that the group was apprehended while trying to subvert official border processes.

“We have started seeing the people having drifted into our western border with Botswana,” Dr. Masiapato said. “All of those people were intercepted, and we had to make sure that we bring them back to the port and we process them out for deportation.”

The BMA noted a major drop in traffic at the Beitbridge port of entry, which connects South Africa and Zimbabwe. While the Lebombo border post into Mozambique saw a massive influx of 30,000 travelers on Christmas Eve, Beitbridge processed only 16,000, nearly half the volume of its counterpart.

In response to this drift, Dr. Masiapato revealed that the BMA had already proactively deployed additional personnel to the western border to close the loophole.

“There is a shift out of Beitbridge into Groblersbrug and other ports into Botswana, and that is an attempt to at least subvert the processes, he explained.

“We are aware of that, and that is why we proactively deployed even that side to be able to deal with that situation.”

The interceptions come amid a high-security festive period for South Africa’s border officials.

Despite the ongoing difficulties with unauthorized border crossings, the Border Management Authority (BMA) notes that legal traffic is surging.

Since the beginning of December, more than 200,000 people have successfully used the Beitbridge port of entry through official channels.

The BMA is currently processing 500 apprehended individuals for formal deportation.