Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
9 December 2024 | 15:00 CAT
5 min read

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intensified efforts to combat illegal activities at South Africa’s borders, with recent breakthroughs at Beitbridge and Lebombo Ports of Entry. Authorities intercepted a minibus smuggling 14 undocumented children from Mozambique and detained eight Bangladeshi nationals attempting illegal entry.

BMA Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi told Radio Islam that on Friday, December 6^th, border guards intercepted a minibus taxi travelling from Mozambique. During a routine stop-and-search operation, officers discovered 14 children, aged between 4 and 16, hidden among five adult passengers in the vehicle. “When the driver was asked where the papers of those children were, the driver said no, these children do not have any documents. And when asked whether they are being accompanied by any adult, he said, no. They’re not being accompanied by any adult,” she explained.

Mogotsi highlighted that in South Africa, immigration law requires that when traveling with a minor, the minor must have a valid passport. Additionally, a letter of consent from the parents must be provided, confirming authorisation for the accompanying adult to travel with the minor.

“But that was not the case in this regard,” she remarked. Thus, the driver was arrested for aiding and abetting illegal entry in violation of South Africa’s Immigration Act.

“The children, as you would understand because of them being vulnerable persons, need to be handed over to the Department of Social Development. This is for them to be assisted and handed over to the Department of Social Development of Mozambique, the country where they come from, so that they are processed further and given care and support,” she added.

Mogotsi noted that in a separate incident during a patrol on Saturday, December 7^th, border guards at the Beitbridge Port of Entry observed a minibus dropping off eight individuals. Monitoring their movements, the guards noticed the group avoiding the formal entry point and heading toward a vulnerable section near the port. Their intention was to bypass immigration checks and enter South Africa without documents.

She credits the border guards’ vigilance with intercepting the group. Upon questioning, the individuals revealed they were from Bangladesh and were en route to Vereeniging. However, none of them possessed passports or valid travel documents.

Mogotsi clarified that the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) responsibilities focus on facilitating the movement of people and goods within the border law enforcement area and at ports of entry. This includes processing passports, managing the formal entry of vehicles and goods, and patrolling the designated border law enforcement area, which extends 10 kilometres around the port of entry.

Other border areas where people cross informally fall under the jurisdiction of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). In port environments, the BMA collaborates with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and SANDF to ensure national security. Additionally, the BMA oversees port health operations, such as health screenings for travellers entering through official ports of entry.

The BMA’s role is focused on post-immigration activities. This includes stamping passports, verifying visas, and checking yellow fever certificates. Additionally, the BMA oversees port agriculture, where it intercepts prohibited goods, such as certain plants or meats that cannot be brought into the country.

The BMA also plays a critical role in port environmental management, ensuring that the country’s flora and fauna, such as the protection of plants like the king Protea that should not be exported, are safeguarded.

Biosecurity is another key aspect, helping prevent the entry of harmful organisms or diseases that could threaten South Africa’s ecosystem.

Mogotsi said that the BMA was formulated to deliver on those responsibilities. As the festive season approaches, the BMA’s heightened vigilance ensures continued protection against illegal activities.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Mmemme Mogotsi, BMA Deputy Assistant Commissioner, here.