South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted more than 500 Zimbabwean nationals trying to leave the country illegally via Botswana during the Christmas festive travel period.
The individuals were stopped while attempting to cross unlawfully at the Groblersbrug port of entry over the past two days. They were returned to the official border post, processed and scheduled for deportation.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato reported that traffic patterns had shifted noticeably during the festive season. On Christmas Eve, the Lebombo port of entry with Mozambique processed approximately 30,000 people, while Beitbridge – the primary crossing into Zimbabwe – handled only about 16,000 travellers.
The lower volume at Beitbridge is attributed to intensified border control measures aimed at curbing illegal migration along South Africa’s northern frontier. As a result, many migrants have diverted to western border posts with Botswana, particularly Groblersbrug, in an effort to bypass formal immigration processes.
The BMA has responded by deploying additional resources to these alternative routes to prevent illegal crossings and maintain border integrity during the high-travel period.