Border operation nets 25 illegal migrants crossing from Zimbabwe into South Africa

At least 25 illegal migrants were arrested after Border Management Authority drones detected them crossing from Zimbabwe into South Africa through bushes near the Beitbridge Border Post.

Just as they thought they had entered South Africa, drones operated by the Border Management Authority (BMA) captured live footage of illegal migrants crossing from Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Border Post, leading to the arrest of 25 people.

The incident occurred on Monday, as thousands of holidaymakers were travelling back to their destinations.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato was present at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Limpopo at the time.

“With the assistance of the technology deployed, 25 illegal migrants were attempting to enter South Africa through the bushes,” the BMA confirmed the arrest in a post on X.

The BMA said two men were detained and handed over to the Musina Police Station for aiding and abetting.

The suspects were arrested a day earlier near the Beitbridge Port of Entry while allegedly facilitating the illegal movement of people.

Earlier, Masiapato said authorities were monitoring a group that had crossed the Limpopo River from Zimbabwe using a boat.

He said BMA response teams were positioned in the bushes and ready to arrest anyone entering South African territory illegally.

“This is how the drones are assisting us,” he told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.

Border Management Authority drones intercepted a group of illegal migrants attempting to cross into South Africa from Zimbabwe, resulting in 25 arrests at the Beitbridge Border Post, authorities said Monday.

“Instead of patrolling the roads, we monitor movements from the air. As soon as individuals exit the riverbanks, pass through what we call no man’s land and enter our territory, that is when we intercept them.”

Masiapato said a similar operation on January 4 led to the interception of 99 people.

Two of them were identified as facilitators and were arrested rather than deported.

He said the drone technology has proven effective because many migrants are unaware they are being monitored.

Masiapato also criticised neighbouring countries for not doing enough to curb illegal migration.

“Unfortunately, on the issue of illegal immigration, we are largely on our own,” he said.

“Neighbouring countries are not helping, and on their side there are very few operations aimed at stopping people from crossing the borders illegally.”

Drone footage showed migrants running through bushes as they attempted to enter South Africa. Officials said the technology allows them to identify facilitators, who are arrested and charged, while the remaining migrants are deported.

“The advantage is that these drones are no longer deployed only during the festive season,” Masiapato said.

“They are here permanently, operated daily by trained BMA border guards.”

South Africa has long been struggling with porous borders, which have contributed to illegal migration from Zimbabwe, Lesotho and other neighbouring countries. *_-NewZimbabwe_*