The Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted and deported nearly 10 000 people attempting to cross the border illegally during the first quarter of the financial year.
This is according to BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato who briefed the media on the first quarter performance of the agency on Sunday.
“Of the 9 954 persons, 5 826 were undocumented, 2 127 were inadmissible and 2 001 were undesirables. In this instance, the majority of the intercepted and deported individuals were Basotho, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
Vehicles smuggled out the country
“Incrementally since July 2022, the Border Guards have been able to stop about 496 622 people who attempted to enter South Africa illegally. In this quarter, our border law enforcement team also intercepted and handed over to SAPS a total of 15 high-powered suspected stolen vehicles for further handling,” he said.
Some 349 vehicles, which were meant to be smuggled out of the country, were intercepted.
“Additionally, in dealing with the illicit trade which negatively affects our economy, the Border Guards seized about 32 bales of counterfeit clothing and 201 pairs of counterfeit footwear with an estimated value of R1 098 000.
“In terms of document fraud, 14 passports bearing fraudulent immigration stamps were identified and confiscated, further illustrating ongoing attempts to undermine national security and immigration controls,” he said.
Keeping children safe
The BMA also intercepted a number of children at borders across the country.
“[We] intercepted about 13 children across the various ports, of which five were unaccompanied and were therefore handed over to the officials of the Department of Social Development for further process.
“The remaining eight who were with their parents were refused entry as they did not meet the entry requirements into the country,” he said.
Masiapato reiterated some of the conditions required for travelling with children.
“A child who is under alternative care must produce a certified copy of an authorisation letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development prior to departure. Without this letter, the BMA immigration officer will refuse departure.
“Secondly, parents travelling with a child must produce the unabridged birth certificate of the child showing both parents’ details. If only one parent is travelling, an affidavit from the other parent authorising the travel, or a court order granting full parental rights, or a death certificate of the other parent would be required.
“In cases where both parents are deceased and the child is travelling with a relative or another adult, approval from the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs must be obtained to permit such travel,” Masiapato said.
Furthermore, when an individual is traveling with a child who is not their biological child, the following is required:
- the child’s unabridged birth certificate
- an affidavit from the child’s parents or legal guardian granting them permission to travel with the child
- copies of the parents’ identity documents or passports, and contact details of the parents or guardian
“This is to ensure that all travel involving minors is lawful and in the best interests of the child.
“As for unaccompanied minors at a port of entry, the minor must present a letter or affidavit showing consent from one or both parents or legal guardians. If only one parent grants consent, a court order giving full parental responsibilities must also be provided,” Masiapato explained.
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