Limpopo – More than 1,100 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals were intercepted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) while attempting to enter South Africa illegally through the Groblersbridge Border Post in Limpopo on 26 December 2025.
SANDF said the incident marked an unprecedented influx during the festive season.
“On 26 December 2025, soldiers intercepted and arrested 1,174 undocumented persons from Zimbabwe attempting to enter South Africa through illegal border crossings.
“This marks the first time our members have had to manage such a massive influx during this period of the festive season,” said SANDF spokesperson Captain Moses Semono.
During the operation, one SANDF soldier was stabbed in the forearm by an aggressive individual but managed to neutralise the threat without using deadly force.
“Compounding the situation was the uncharacteristic aggressiveness of the individuals involved. Rifleman T.M. Mokoena sustained a stab wound to his forearm while defending himself against an undocumented person who attempted a life-threatening assault.
“However, due to the high standard of training provided by the Defence Force, Rifleman Mokoena was able to thwart the danger and neutralize the threat without resorting to deadly force,” Semono said.
The injured soldier was treated at the scene, and all detained individuals were handed over to Immigration Services without injury.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
