By Alicia Mmashakana
Following the Border Management Authority (BMA) introducing body-worn cameras, two immigration officials, five undocumented foreign nationals and two suspected facilitators have been arrested at the Beitbridge border post.
The arrests followed extensive movement monitoring and the deployment of advanced technological surveillance at the port of entry, BMA acting commissioner Jane Thupana said in a statement on Thursday.
“This operation reflects the BMA’s firm stance against corruption within its ranks. I applaud the executive members for leading from the front and taking decisive action to restore integrity at one of our busiest ports,” she said.
During the operation, the authorities observed a white Mercedes-Benz taxi parked near a shop at the border post.
Two immigration officials, a 61-year-old women and a 44-year-old man, were seen allegedly receiving a bribe from a facilitator.
The vehicle was intercepted shortly thereafter and was found to be transporting 18 passengers, 13 of whom held valid travel documents, while five were undocumented foreign nationals. A female passenger and the taxi driver, believed to have facilitated the illegal entry, were also arrested.
“We are resolute in disrupting illegal facilitation networks and holding every official accountable to the highest standards of conduct,” Thupana said.
The BMA has suspended the two officials and is awaiting the results of internal disciplinary proceedings and the criminal investigation.
Thupana further noted that the operation strengthened the BMA’s resolve to roll out body-worn cameras across all ports of entry.
For the first time, BMA officials wore the cameras during Easter. A total of 40 of them were deployed across various sites, enhancing monitoring capabilities and supporting real-time accountability.
Beitbridge is South Africa’s busiest land border and a key commercial gateway into the continent.
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