By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, says more than 50,000 people travelling between South Africa and Mozambique have been cleared so far.
Masiapato is on the ground monitoring the accelerated security control measures at Lebombo border post.
He said South Africa was bearing the brunt of illegal migration and that its neighbours were not committing enough resources to address the problem.
“We do engage with our colleagues in neighbouring countries — whether it is Mozambique, Zimbabwe or Lesotho — but the reality is our colleagues don’t necessarily put in effort in addressing issues of illegal migration,” Masiapato said.
“They don’t allocate many resources to it, and understandably so, because it does not affect them directly. We continue to engage, but the problem persists.”
As the third law enforcement service in the Republic, the BMA has also deployed drones and body worn cameras for additional technological support in addition to adjusting service hours for the holidays.
Four advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones and 40 body-worn cameras have been deployed for the first time at the country’s ports of entry this Easter weekend.
The drones are equipped with some of the most advanced night vision cameras in the world, including thermal detection technology.
Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the devices are able to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles. They can also 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.
When travellers return from the Easter holidays, Masiapato will be at the Beitbridge port of entry from 20 to 22 April 2025.