By Akani Nkuna
Border Management Authority commissioner Michael Masiapato has issued a stern warning to crime syndicates that they will be met with the full force of the law.
This follows border guards at Khosi Bay intercepting “three high value assets” suspected to be tied to transnational smuggling operations into neighbouring countries.
In one incident, authorities flagged a motorbike whose frame matched the description from an ongoing stolen vehicle case reported in Mayville, Johannesburg.
A black Senke frame was concealed inside a trailer. The suspect, believed to be headed for Malawi, was also allegedly found with seven mobile phones for which he could not produce proof of ownership.
He was detained under the Immigration Act and a case was registered at the Emanguzi Police Station.
Later that day, border guards intercepted a white Toyota Hilux driven by a Mozambican national on his way to Mozambique. Upon inspection, officials discovered that the vehicle’s VIN and engine numbers had been tampered with.
Further investigation confirmed the Hilux had been reported stolen in Lyttelton, Pretoria.
In a separate operation at approximately 5pm, a team of five BMA border guards recovered a black Toyota Corolla Cross at the border. The driver failed to produce valid documentation, and officials soon discovered that the vehicle bore a fraudulent licence disc and had altered identification numbers.
The car was traced back to a theft case in Durban North. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Emanguzi Police Station for further processing.
“Criminals attempting to exploit our ports for illicit activities will be met with swift and decisive enforcement. The BMA is closing the space for cross-border crime, and our border guards will continue to act with vigilance, professionalism and integrity,” said Masiapato.
He also emphasised the importance of public involvement in combatting transnational crimes, urging residents to report suspicious activities near the borders.
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