Bloemfontein — The Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed that a cross-border bus intercepted in the Free State was fully compliant when it entered South Africa, with all passengers properly processed at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
The bus, which was later found carrying undocumented foreign nationals, had been cleared on 2 April 2026 after undergoing standard border procedures, according to BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato.
“The bus recently intercepted in the Free State Province was processed through the Beitbridge Port of Entry… in accordance with all prescribed procedures,” Masiapato said.
At the time of entry, the bus carried 43 passengers, all of whom were required to disembark for screening.
“All passengers… were required to alight from the bus with their luggage to undergo mandatory screening processes,” the BMA said, adding that travellers were subjected to health checks and baggage inspections for contraband.
BORDER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY RESPONDS TO INTERCEPTION OF UNDOCUMENTED FOREIGN NATIONALS IN THE FREE STATE
The Commissioner of @TheBMA_SA Dr Michael Masiapato confirms that the bus recently intercepted in the Free State Province was processed through the Beitbridge Port of Entry…
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) April 4, 2026
Immigration procedures were also followed, with officials verifying documentation for each passenger.
“All documents were verified and found to be legitimate, and the passengers were duly processed and granted entry into South Africa,” Masiapato confirmed.
The authority said it has a full passenger list from the border post, noting that all travellers had valid passports and visas and met entry requirements.
The bus driver was also found to be compliant.
“The driver of the bus was… in possession of a valid passport and a legitimate cross-border permit,” the BMA said, adding that the vehicle was processed in line with regulations.
The bus is operated by Rimbi Tours, a registered cross-border transport company that regularly uses the Beitbridge crossing.
Despite the compliance at the border, the BMA said it could not account for additional passengers discovered later.
[Listen] Today, 06 April 2026, Commissioner Masiapato provides an update on the interception of undocumented foreign nations in the Free State.#immigration #BMA #secureborders #Operationhitivise https://t.co/A6fXZXiS6y pic.twitter.com/0XEEMZ7GS8
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) April 6, 2026
“The Border Management Authority therefore cannot account for any additional passengers who may have boarded the bus inland after the bus had departed from the port of entry,” Masiapato said.
Preliminary information suggests the bus may have picked up undocumented individuals after leaving the border.
“Information… suggests that the bus may have been overloaded at the time of interception, indicating the possibility that undocumented individuals were transported after lawful processing had already taken place,” he said.
The BMA emphasised that security at Beitbridge remains tight, with enhanced monitoring measures in place.
“The port is currently operating under heightened surveillance, including the deployment of drone technology,” Masiapato said, adding that these measures are designed “to prevent illegal crossings and detect any irregular movements.”
Authorities have warned transport operators against violating immigration laws.
“Transport operators are once again strongly warned against transporting undocumented persons within the country. Such actions constitute a violation of immigration laws and will attract serious consequences,” the BMA said.
The authority reiterated its mandate to manage movement at South Africa’s borders and within a 10-kilometre radius, noting that enforcement beyond that zone requires cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.
Masiapato is expected to visit Beitbridge from 5 to 8 April to monitor operations during the busy Easter travel period, as investigations continue into how the additional passengers boarded the bus.
