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.
