A planned Beitbridge Port of Entry operational visit will bring together SAPS, SANDF, SARS and traffic authorities to strengthen enforcement against illegal cross-border movement and improve compliance measures.
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) says the interception of minibus taxis and buses transporting undocumented foreign nationals has become a major concern within inland operations.
According to the BMA, this has necessitated the convening of various stakeholders to strengthen interventions aimed at addressing illegal movements and ensuring compliance with South African laws.
This comes as the Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, is set to conduct an operational visit to the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to monitor illegal movement and cross-border enforcement operations.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said the visit will include a Port Management Committee meeting involving key stakeholders such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and traffic authorities.
''The Commissioner will also engage with external stakeholders, including bus and taxi operators operating in the Beitbridge area, to streamline operations and strengthen compliance measures aimed at ensuring the lawful movement of people and goods across the border.
''A site inspection of identified vulnerable areas around Beitbridge will be conducted,'' said Mogosti.
The heightened enforcement focus comes as authorities continue to intercept buses transporting undocumented foreign nationals into the country.
IOL previously reported on a recent incident in Limpopo, where authorities stopped an unroadworthy bus travelling from Malawi to Johannesburg carrying 75 passengers, of whom 43 were undocumented.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs Mosa Chabane, has called for stricter enforcement and consequence management over the continued interception of buses transporting undocumented foreign nationals.
“It is unacceptable that despite the mandates of the two agencies, incidents of foreign buses transporting illegal immigrants continue to be intercepted within the country. The two agencies must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to this illegality.”
Chabane said enforcement action had not been consistent despite previous indications that the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency could move to withdraw permits from non-compliant operators.
“This year alone, numerous bus companies have been intercepted transporting illegal immigrants. There appears to be no follow-through in enforcing the law, which is unacceptable.”
He further warned that the ongoing illegal entry of foreign nationals into the country remained unacceptable, despite operational and funding constraints facing the Border Management Authority.
Chabane said stronger consequence management was needed against officials involved in facilitating unlawful movement across borders.
“Where there is illegality, it must be met with decisive law enforcement and consequences. We cannot and will not accept the subversion of our laws for nefarious and selfish ends,'' he said.
He welcomed the South African Police Service’s role in intercepting the bus in Limpopo and called for a more coordinated and intelligence-driven approach among law enforcement agencies to curb illegal cross-border transportation.
Chabane said the use of unroadworthy buses to transport undocumented migrants also poses a serious road safety risk, contributing to accidents and fatalities on South African roads.
IOL News