More than 546 people have been apprehended by the Border Management Authority (BMA) in a 48-hour clampdown at various entry points since New Year’s Day.
According to the BMA’s deputy commissioner for communication and marketing, Mmemme Mogotsi, the majority of suspect border-crossing transgressors were undocumented.
She said the interceptions “affirm that border management systems, deployment and enforcement mechanisms remain active and will remain responsive and effective on the ground.
“All the undocumented persons intercepted were processed in line with South African immigration laws, with immediate deportation process initiated”.
Mogotsi added that the BMA had also intensified agricultural, food safety and biosecurity controls.
“Officers continue to intercept prohibited and restricted goods, including agricultural and animal products that pose a risk to food safety and biosecurity.
“The BMA is warning all travellers against attempting to bring prohibited agricultural and animal products into South Africa as these items may introduce infectious diseases, pests and biosecurity risks.”
During the festive period, Freight News passed various points in southern KwaZulu-Natal where the government’s ongoing efforts to curb foot-and-mouth disease were clearly evident.
This was particularly on display on roads such as the R617 passing through Bulwer and Underberg towards KZN’s Kokstad border with the Eastern Cape.
At the end of November, the BMA seized 84 kilograms of unpermitted veterinary medicine from an aircraft transiting through Polokwane International Airport, citing concerns over biosecurity and South Africa’s efforts to control foot-and-mouth disease.
The consignment, originating from Kenya and Tanzania and destined for Pietermaritzburg, was confiscated for lacking the required import permits and sent to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute for analysis, with the BMA stressing its commitment to strict enforcement of veterinary regulations to protect national herd health and local farmers.
Following the New Year’s clampdown, the BMA stressed that intercepted goods were confiscated and disposed of in accordance with the applicable legislation.
