By Akani Nkuna
Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato has raised alarm over a surge in the smuggling of minors through the Lebombo and Beitbridge ports of entry, urging urgent government-level engagement with Zimbabwe and Mozambique to curb the practice.
“It is indeed a worry for the BMA to continue having children as young as three years old coming through the ports without any documents. In some instances, they come with a taxi driver, without any parent, guardian or adult,” Masiapato said on Sunday.
He said authorities were working with social development agencies and regional counterparts to intensify cooperation.
“The only thing we can do is to intensify engagement with the Zimbabwean and Mozambican authorities to ensure that we curb this particular challenge,” he said.
Masiapato was speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria where he delivered the BMA’s 2026 Easter Operational Report, outlining movements and interceptions at ports of entry.
The 10-day operation, from March 31 to April 9, covered all 71 ports of entry and recorded more than 1 million cross-border travellers, a 21% increase from the 2025 Easter period.
He warned that South Africa risked international repercussions if it was found to be non-compliant with global protocols governing the cross-border movement of children.
“It is a very serious issue among the community of nations because we can easily be considered a liability, especially if undocumented children arrive in the country and disappear within the system,” he said.
A total of 4,763 travellers were intercepted while attempting to enter or leave South Africa illegally. Of these, 3,170 were undocumented, 998 were classified as undesirable, and 595 were found inadmissible for various reasons.
Masiapato said the figure marked a decline from 6,253 interceptions recorded during the 2025 Easter period, reflecting the impact of strengthened enforcement measures.
“This represents a reduction of approximately 24% and can be attributed to the deterrent effect of enhanced enforcement measures, including the deployment of drones, the continued arrest of facilitators, the destruction of makeshift boats, and the removal of anchors and ropes used to facilitate illegal crossings, particularly along the Limpopo and Caledon rivers,” he said.
He reiterated the need for adequate funding for the BMA, stressing the importance of acquiring advanced technology to combat border-related crimes, including illegal migration.
Masiapato also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government entities and the private sector, citing the temporary use of a privately owned amphibious vehicle deployed at the Lebombo border during the Easter period.
The vehicle has since been returned to its owners, but Masiapato said the BMA was keen to acquire similar equipment for permanent use.
“As soon as we have the financial capacity to procure such tools, we will go to the market. Once acquired, they will be permanently deployed in key areas,” he said.
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