Johnathan Paoli
THE Border Management Authority (BMA) has said it remained vigilant, despite a significant increase in traveler volume and nature of crimes over Easter where over a million people went through South Africa’s entry ports between 26 March and 7 April.
BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato briefed the media on Sunday on the movement statistics and interceptions at ports of entry during the Easter period and said the authority recorded a 24% increase in traveler volumes compared to last year.
Masiapato said officials arrested nearly 4,000 people for trying to enter the country illegally and encountered a number of cross-border crimes, including illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and individuals aiding and abetting criminals.
“One individual was arrested while in possession of 13 passports. About 641kg [kilograms] of dagga to the value of R2 million was seized. Interception occurred in about 217 cases of counterfeit cigarettes with a value of R3 million,” he said.
Furthermore, the commissioner said that fines were issued at various ports of entry to South Africa during the period, including eight penalties to the value of R270 000 against bus companies.
Masiapato said that in light of the renewed surveillance of illegal immigration, conveyancing companies should remain vigilant in following the law.
“At this point, we would like to send a stern warning to all conveyancers to desist from transporting illegal migrants in and out of South Africa,” he said.
Despite these arrests, Masiapato said the period served as a training ground to better prepare officials in light of the appearance of various trends emerging at all 71 ports of entry across the country, requiring re-strategising and enforcement.
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