240 criminals arrested at SA entry ports over festive period - Border Management Authority

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) said it arrested over 240 criminals at the country’s 72 ports of entry during the festive period.

The border law enforcement authority said this included arrests made since the start of December to earlier in January.

Four boats used to smuggle undocumented migrants, as well as other illicit goods – such as crystal meth – were also seized during this period.

BMA Commissioner Mike Masiapato said there has been a significant increase in travellers, with over a million more people making cross-border travel compared to 2022.

However, Masiapato said the authority made strides in curbing border crimes.

“We would like to commend the majority of the travellers who heeded our call to avoid bringing in alien invasive species, as well as foreign pests associated with plants, animal products, and other regulated goods into South Africa.”