BMA processes 1,596 Malawian, Zimbabwean nationals in 13‑hour Beitbridge operation

Lebombo

Beitbridge – The Border Management Authority (BMA) processed more than 1,500 Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals for repatriation during a 13-hour operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Thursday.

The operation included 1,129 Malawian nationals transported on 17 buses, marking the largest number of Malawians processed by the BMA in a single day as part of a coordinated repatriation exercise.

The operation was conducted by BMA personnel alongside officials from the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service Public Order Policing unit.

All 1,129 Malawian nationals were found to be in South Africa without valid documentation authorising their continued stay and were issued Emergency Travel Certificates through a process coordinated by the Malawian High Commission to facilitate their return home.

Authorities carried out strict verification procedures, including headcounts, biometric fingerprint checks and bulk processing using details contained in the Emergency Travel Certificates.

The BMA said these measures were aimed at protecting the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system and ensuring accountability throughout the operation.

In a separate but related exercise, 467 Zimbabwean nationals were processed for deportation after being transferred from the Lindela Holding Facility to Beitbridge.

BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato praised officials involved in the operation, saying their “commitment, discipline and professionalism ensured that this complex repatriation exercise was executed efficiently, humanely and in full compliance with the law.”

He added that processing such large numbers required “precision, vigilance and coordinated teamwork” and demonstrated the authority’s ability to balance border security with the dignified treatment of those being repatriated.

Masiapato also noted that the presence of families and children required officials to exercise compassion while enforcing immigration laws.

“This reflects our commitment to implementing the law in a manner that respects human dignity and the rights of all persons,” he said.

The BMA said it would continue working with domestic and international partners to ensure future repatriation processes are conducted in an orderly, lawful and humane manner.

Article written by