As festive season travel reached its peak around Christmas Day, the Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted approximately 500 Zimbabwean nationals attempting to leave South Africa illegally via Botswana.
The group was stopped while trying to cross through the Groblersbrug border post, according to BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, who confirmed that officials intervened before the individuals could exit the country unlawfully.
The interceptions came amid contrasting levels of activity at South Africa’s major border posts over the holiday period.
While the Lebombo port of entry on the Mozambican border experienced exceptionally high volumes, processing close to 30 000 travellers on Christmas Eve, traffic at the Beitbridge border post linking South Africa and Zimbabwe was noticeably lower, with around 16 000 people recorded.
Authorities have attributed the decline at Beitbridge to intensified enforcement measures along the northern border, particularly efforts aimed at curbing illegal migration.
According to Masiapato, these tighter controls have led to a shift in movement patterns, with some travellers diverting towards South Africa’s western border with Botswana.
This change in route has raised concerns for border officials, who say the move appears to be an attempt to bypass formal border procedures.
Over a two-day period, the BMA intercepted more than 500 Zimbabwean nationals attempting to cross illegally into Botswana near Groblersbrug.
The BMA has since increased deployments along the western border to address the emerging trend.
Masiapato said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have taken proactive steps to ensure those intercepted are returned to the port of entry, processed accordingly, and prepared for deportation.
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