Customs control measures at South Africa’s Lebombo Border Post are expected to be tightened after Border Management Authority (BMA) officials apprehended a suspect found in possession of 34 passports.
The incident at the heavily congested transit point highlights ongoing concerns regarding border security and the potential for identity fraud.
Fears are that tightened security measures could also further slow cargo processing at the Maputo Corridor crossing where throughput to Mozambique is already agonisingly slow.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was detained during routine checks at the border, an important intra-regional trade link to the Port of Maputo.
The BMA had been intensifying its efforts to combat cross-border crime and illegal immigration, and the arrest was a testament to the authority’s vigilance and operational effectiveness, said BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato.
He praised the border guards for their swift action, emphasising the importance of maintaining strict border controls to prevent criminal activities.
The BMA had been actively working to enhance its capabilities and improve the security measures at all points of entry into South Africa, particularly in light of the sophisticated tactics employed by smugglers and traffickers, the authority said.
The possession of multiple passports raised serious questions about the suspect's intentions and potential links to organised crime, a statement said.
Authorities are currently investigating the matter further to ascertain the origins of the passports and whether they are linked to any broader criminal networks.
This incident underscored the critical role that border management played in national security and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing complex border-related issues, the BMA said.
