Schreiber reveals that BMA to use drones to secure some of SA's borders

JOHANNESBURG - For the first time ever, South Africa’s borders and ports will be monitored using drone technology.

The utilisation of drones, initiated as a pilot project in December at some of the country’s ports of entry, resulted in a 215% prevention of illegal crossings, according to authorities.

In a joint briefing with the Border Management Authority (BMA) in Pretoria on Thursday morning, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber unveiled four high-tech drones that will be used by the BMA in securing some of the country’s borders.

Schreiber issued a stern warning to those who may attempt to enter the country illegally, emphasising that the drones had thermal recognition capabilities.

"We will see you in the daytime, we will see you in the nighttime, we will see you hiding behind a tree, we will see you driving away in a vehicle, we will see you crossing a river, we will see you trying to get through a fence, and we will catch you. We have eyes in the sky 24/7 and your own body heat will give you away and there’s nowhere to run."