200 barred from entering SA without passports as p...

200 barred from entering SA without passports as post festive season traffic peaks at Beitbridge

Just a few days into the new year, the Border Management Authority has already turned away around 200 individuals attempting to enter the country illegally at Beitbridge Border Post by Wednesday morning.

Illegal immigrants returned

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika BMA Commissioner, Michael Masiapato, said over 30 000 travellers have already been processed back into South Africa from Zimbabwe following the festive season break.

Masiapato says that the 200 people detained and returned to their country, attempted to pass through the border without a passport.

“In terms of the volumes that are busy coming in we are expecting the number to increase and before the end of the day we would probably have reached 10 000 people process back into the country”, says Masiapato.

Beitbridge, which separates South Africa and Zimbabwe is one of the busiest ports of entry in the country. The BMA says that it is focusing on returning travellers.

“The BMA has a specific focus on the return leg which aims to curb the illegal movement of persons and goods.”

Patriotic Alliance

Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance, intercepted a number of individuals attempting to enter the country illegally by crossing the Limpopo River.

In a series of social media posts, members, including leader Gayton McKenzie, could be seen along the river bank while shouting “mabahambe!” as the immigrants turn and return to Zimbabwe. – The South African