Cape Town – The Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested at least 25 undocumented foreign nationals attempting to cross into South Africa illegally, bringing the total number intercepted in recent days to 571.
Most crossings occurred at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, a key border with Zimbabwe, where additional resources and support have been deployed.
BMA Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi explained that some individuals were caught crossing the Limpopo River with the help of facilitators.
“So, since this morning on the 5th January in 2026, we have been able to intercept around 25 individuals who were attempting to enter the country illegally.
Today, 05 January 2026, The Commissioner of @TheBMA_SA Led by Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE) Port Commander Ntakuseni Lambani are on the on the ground in the bushes. With the assistance of the technology deployed, 25 illegal migrants trying to get into South Africa illegally… pic.twitter.com/7nPnpXebse
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) January 5, 2026
“We’re able to see them as they were crossing the Limpopo River, being assisted by some facilitators through a boat, and they entered into a no man’s land, and immediately they entered into the South African soil, we were able to bust on them, and we effectively got them arrested,” Mogotsi said.
While the undocumented migrants are being processed for deportation, two facilitators were arrested and face charges for aiding and abetting illegal entry.
The BMA, in collaboration with the South African National Defense Force (SANDF), uses specialised functions, including immigration checks, port health duties, agricultural biosecurity, and drone monitoring, to control entry and intercept illegal crossings.
The agency expects border traffic to remain high in the coming week, with a peak anticipated on Sunday.
BMA intercepts illegal crossings at Beitbridge amid high traveller flow
The Border Management Authority says it is processing around 25,000 travelers daily at Beitbridge, as it updates this morning, Monday.
Using drones to monitor vulnerable areas, officials say they… pic.twitter.com/IiKno1szCx
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 5, 2026
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@TheBMA_SA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
