Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • News
  • Features
  • Knowledge Library
  • Columns
  • Customs
  • Jobs
  • Directory
  • FX Rates
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send us news
    • Editorial Guidelines
Border Beat
Road/Rail Freight

BMA officials arrested for enabling illegal immigration

24 Apr 2025 - by Staff reporter
Body-worn camera technology has proven instrumental in the Border Management Authority’s anti-corruption success. Source: Benchmark Analytics
0 Comments

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

The Border Management Authority (BMA) arrested two of their own as well as five undocumented foreign nationals and two suspected facilitators during an anti-corruption operation at Beitbridge.

The BMA said the arrests on Tuesday were made following information received about “the alleged unlawful entry of persons into the Republic and contravention of the Immigration Act”.

It came after the BMA announced extensive digital capacity improvements recently ahead of the Easter weekend.

A statement released by the authority said two executive members of the BMA had led the operation at South Africa’s border crossing with Zimbabwe following extensive movement monitoring and the deployment of advanced technological surveillance at the port.

“After confirming suspicious behaviour, the executives immediately contacted the South African Police Service, detectives in Musina, the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit and the Local Criminal Record Centre.”

The BMA said that during the operation, “the executives observed a white Mercedes-Benz taxi parked near a shop at the port”.

“Two BMA Immigration officials, a 61-year-old female and a 44-year-old male, were seen engaging with the facilitator and subsequently allowing it to pass through, allegedly after receiving a bribe.

“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.”

The statement said all nine suspects had been charged with corruption and appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The five undocumented individuals face additional charges under the Immigration Act. The case was postponed to Thursday, April 24, for a formal bail application.

The BMA has since suspended the two implicated officials pending the outcome of both internal disciplinary processes and a criminal investigation.

Acting commissioner of the BMA, Jane Thupana, said: “This operation reflects the BMA’s firm stance against corruption within its ranks.”

Because of the success of the use of digital means, Thupana said: “The operation strengthens the BMA’s resolve to roll out Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) across all ports of entry.”

This Easter period, 40 body cameras were deployed across various sites, enhancing monitoring capabilities and supporting real-time accountability.

“The implementation of body cameras is not just about oversight. It’s about protecting both the official and the public and ensuring that every interaction at our ports is transparent, lawful, and traceable,” she said.

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.
Subscribe to receive print copies of Freight News Features to your door.

Shippers warned to monitor cargo closely during Untu strike

Logistics

Logistics company advises shippers to communicate concerns about urgent or time-sensitive cargo.

Yesterday
0 Comments

GNU targets livestock auctions after China bans SA beef

Imports and Exports
Yesterday
0 Comments

New tariff protection for South African wheat hits a snag

Imports and Exports

Itac request for comment for stronger tariff protection for locally produced wheat only protects brown flour.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Creecy outlines logistics sector reforms

Logistics

The government is continuing to collaborate with original equipment manufacturers to ensure that spare parts for essential machinery can be sourced.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Suez Canal offers toll reductions for large containerships

Logistics

“We are monitoring developments moment by moment and assessing the changing dynamics.” – Maersk.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Oil spill response in Red Sea under the spotlight

Sea Freight

Workshop focuses on equipping officials and responders with the skills and knowledge to manage and mitigate major marine pollution incidents.

Yesterday
0 Comments

President Ramaphosa to meet Trump in US

Economy

The engagement will focus on a range of bilateral, regional and global matters of mutual interest.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Belgium port strike on the cards

Imports and Exports

Port operator PSA Antwerp will suspend truck export deliveries ahead of the strike.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Soy, maize imports surge due to regional drought

Imports and Exports

Dry conditions across the subcontinent forced South Africa to import white maize for the first time since the 2016-17 drought.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Famers need beyond-banking assistance – futures specialist

Imports and Exports

Agricultural assistance also extends to analysing the South African Futures Exchange.

15 May 2025
0 Comments

SA a top target for cyber attacks

Technology

Increasing dependence on technology to deliver services means security risks are rising.

15 May 2025
0 Comments

Carbon capture solution cuts emissions by up to 70%

Sea Freight

The high technology system captures emissions from all exhaust gas sources.

15 May 2025
0 Comments
  • More

FeatureClick to view

The Cape 16 May 2025

Border Beat

The N4 Maputo Corridor crossing – congestion, crime and potholes
12 May 2025
Fuel-crime curbing causes tanker build-up at Moz border
08 May 2025
Border police turn the tide on illegal crossings
29 Apr 2025
More

Featured Jobs

New

Seafreight Export Controller

Tiger Recruitment
Cape Town
15 May

Import Manager (NVOCC)

Switch Recruit
Eastrand
15 May
More Jobs
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Freight News RSS
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send us news
  • Contact us