The Border Management Authority (BMA) has been placed on high alert as cross-border movements surge during the festive period, with authorities recording significant law-enforcement successes at several Ports of Entry and vulnerable sections of South Africa’s borderline.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that the authority has intensified its operational posture nationwide, resulting in key interceptions and arrests linked to transnational organised crime. The Commissioner is currently operating on the ground, overseeing border operations to ensure the smooth processing of people and goods across all Ports of Entry.
Fraudulent Passports Intercepted at Kosi Bay
In one of the most notable breakthroughs, BMA law-enforcement officers stationed at Kosi Bay intercepted two Mozambican male nationals on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at approximately 17:00. The suspects were travelling in a silver Volvo S40 from Mozambique into South Africa when officers conducted a search of the vehicle.
During the search, officials uncovered 46 fraudulently stamped Mozambican passports concealed under a mat in the boot of the car. An amount of R34,890 in cash, believed to be proceeds of illicit activities, was also recovered.
According to Commissioner Masiapato, the suspects attempted to bribe BMA officials with the recovered cash in an effort to evade arrest. When the bribery attempt failed, they allegedly resisted arrest.
“BMA officials acted decisively and brought the situation under control. Both suspects were arrested and charged with fraud, bribery and resisting arrest. This interception reflects the BMA’s zero tolerance for corruption and the facilitation of transnational organised crime,” Masiapato said.
Undocumented Migrants Intercepted Along Borderline
As enforcement pressure intensifies in certain areas, the BMA has noted shifts in movement patterns along vulnerable border segments. On 18 December 2025, BMA Border Guards intercepted 585 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals at Grobler Bridge as they attempted to leave South Africa without valid travel documents. The group was found transporting goods that had not been declared through formal customs channels.
In a separate operation, approximately 142 Basotho nationals were intercepted at Sani Pass, highlighting the continued pressure on high-risk crossing points.
Temporary Closure at Sendelingsdrift
Meanwhile, operations at Sendelingsdrift Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended due to rising water levels caused by persistent rainfall. The BMA said the conditions pose a safety risk to the pontoon used for cross-border movement between South Africa and Namibia. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates once conditions improve.
Festive Season Monitoring Continues
As festive season travel intensifies, Commissioner Masiapato is continuing oversight visits and is scheduled to proceed to Maseru Bridge Port of Entry, which is already experiencing increased volumes of arrivals and departures.
Despite the surge in traveller numbers, the BMA has assured the public that operations remain stable, with adequate personnel deployed and systems functioning optimally.
The Border Management Authority has reiterated its commitment to facilitating legitimate travel and trade while decisively preventing illegal activities and safeguarding South Africa’s borders during the busy holiday period.
