By Thapelo Molefe
This festive season, the Border Management Authority expects travel volumes to return to pre-Covid levels and they will, therefore, maintain a high level of vigilance to deal with crime.
The BMA expects more than six million people to cross the borders.
The BMA has structured its festive season strategy into four phases, which are planning, execution, demobilisation and sustenance.
Commissioner Nakampe Michael Masiapato said key elements included extending operating hours at select ports, such as Groblersbridge and Mahamba, to reduce congestion, bolstered by deploying 69 additional personnel and 400 junior border guards to critical points.
He reiterated that advanced technology, including drones provided through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture, would enhance surveillance, while joint operations with Interpol aimed to tackle cross-border crime.
It is also intensifying efforts to detect and intercept banned pesticides such as Aldicarb and Terbufos which have been identified as a reason for the food contamination crisis, along with other illicit goods.
“Travellers attempting to smuggle harmful substances or engage in criminality will be met with firm action,” warned Masiapato.
Given the historical congestion on key corridors such as the N1 towards Beit Bridge and N4 to Lebombo, traffic flow will be managed collaboratively with the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
The BMA is also urging travellers to ensure all documents are in order to avoid delays.
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