Easter crackdown: Zimbabweans lead in attempts to enter SA illegally
Data shows Zimbabweans are most frequently caught attempting illegal entry into South Africa. Image via X@TheBMA_SA
The latest report from the Easter border operations shows that Zimbabweans top the list of those caught trying to cross into South Africa without the proper papers.
This came out after the Border Management Authority (BMA), along with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Home Affairs, stepped up their game over the Easter holidays to try and stop people from entering the country illegally.
Increase in illegal crossing
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato recently briefed the media on the outcomes of the Easter operation. The operation spanned from 15 April to 24 April, and Masiapato revealed an 8% increase in travel over the period, with about one million movements recorded across all 71 ports of entry.
He also revealed that authorities detained more than 6 000 individuals attempting to enter or exit South Africa illegally, a 61% increase compared to previous figures.
Zimbabweans lead attempts to enter SA illegally
Highlighting a consistent pattern of the top three nationalities undermining immigration laws, Masiapato pointed to Zimbabweans as the highest offenders.
According to BMA, Zimbabwean, Mozambican, and Basotho nationals remain the top three nationalities attempting to enter South Africa illegally.
Zimbabweans had their numbers reach 2 019, according to the report. After them, the next biggest group was from Lesotho, with 1 921 individuals. Sadly, there were also 1 143 instances involving people from Mozambique. The report further noted that the remaining 1 170 cases involved Swati nationals and individuals of other nationalities.
What do you think makes individuals enter South Africa illegally
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
14 South Africans held in Zimbabwean jails
HARARE - At least 14 South Africans are being held in Zimbabwean jails. They are among over 70 foreign nationals behind bars in the country, the majority for crossing the border illegally. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission says these people should be deported and not held. During a visit to the Harare Remand and Chikurubi Maximum Security prisons recently, the commission exposed inhumane conditions. It's calling for an urgent intervention. The commission inspected the Harare Remand and Chikurubi Maximum Security prisons. It found inhumane conditions, lack of access to education, healthcare and delays in legal proceedings. But, the commission also found dozens of undocumented migrants. The ZHRC says these people should be deported and not held in these jails. Human rights lawyers are calling for the swift implementation of all the commission's findings.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Tensions erupt: Magistrate and litigant clash in White River court
A chance meeting in the corridors of White River Magistrate's Court on Monday, led to a tense confrontation between Magistrate Thomas Sibuyi and Barend Byliefeldt, a central figure in an ongoing assault case. Byliefeldt was in court to testify in an assault case he had opened in March 2021, following an incident in which he and his wife, Delia, were allegedly threatened, and he assaulted, at White River Police Station. ALSO READ: Couple seeks sanctuary in police station away from mob of alleged assailants The incident reportedly stemmed from a roadside altercation, after which the Byliefeldts were followed to the police station, where Barend was allegedly assaulted by individuals linked to MAMRA Security Solutions and VIP Protection. The case gained further attention when AfriForum became involved, assisting the couple in their legal battle against the alleged assailants. The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) launched an investigation into MAMRA Security, revealing that the company was not properly registered. ALSO READ: Assault at police station goes viral Multiple criminal cases were opened following the incident, including common assault, pointing of a firearm, and malicious damage to property. Meanwhile, the owner of MAMRA Security Solutions and VIP Protection, Mathlatse Maroga, filed a counter-case against Barend for malicious damage to property and crimen injuria. ALSO READ: Petition against White River Police Station gains traction The controversy surrounding the case intensified when questions were raised about the police's handling thereof, with allegations that officers failed to intervene during the assault. The matter was referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further scrutiny. ALSO READ: Investigation into White River Police Station results to be released next week In the recent altercation, Barend, who is facing separate criminal charges of assault and crimen injuria – one stemming from allegations that he assaulted a Mozambican citizen with a wheel spanner – admitted to Lowvelder on Tuesday that he had directed a racially charged remark at Sibuyi. The remark reportedly escalated the confrontation between them. According to witnesses, chaos erupted when Barend approached Sibuyi to ask a question, but Sibuyi refused to engage. A video of the altercation, recorded by Barend, was later circulated on social media. Court staff intervened to separate the two men, preventing the situation from escalating further. In the footage, Sibuyi can be heard reacting angrily, shouting: 'You called me a racist!' to which Barend responded, 'Yes, you are, but you are!'. He also alleged that Sibuyi attempted to assault him with a brick and used profane language. ALSO READ: SAPS report of findings in White River Police Station saga postponed Barend stated that this confrontation was the culmination of previous interactions, including one in February 2025 in which Sibuyi reportedly reprimanded him over his courtroom attire. In April 2025, an application was filed requesting Sibuyi's recusal due to alleged racial remarks made in court. Adv Johan de Necker presented the application, and Sibuyi subsequently stepped down from the matter. Following Monday's altercation, police requested that Barend leave the court premises. He later stated that he is considering legal action against Sibuyi, pending legal advice. Meanwhile, Delia confirmed that she has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover her husband's legal expenses. She disclosed that she had sold her car to pay for De Necker's legal fees, amounting to R35 000, and has raised $3 459 (± R61 000) so far. At the time of publising, the questions sent to Sibuyi about Monday's altercation remained unanswered. Tully Tonjeni, the chief magistrate in Mbombela, said they view the matter in a serious light. 'We are investigating the matter and will respond to Lowvelder's questions afterwards.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
South Africans detained in Zimbabwe for illegal entry face deportation
Zimbabwean authorities have detained several South African nationals in Harare Remand Prison for breaching immigration laws and are holding them pending deportation. While many South Africans are pending deportation, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) says three South African men face trial in Zimbabwe on charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Meanwhile, the ZHRC reports that a Zimbabwean court has convicted a South African woman of dealing in dangerous drugs and sentenced her to 10 years in jail. ZHRC Chairperson Jessie Majome told IOL that officials have confirmed six men at Harare Remand Prison as South African nationals. She said they are now ready for deportation following verification by South Africa's High Commission. However, she said the South African diplomatic mission told Zimbabwean authorities that the elderly seventh man is not a South African citizen. As a result, officials will not deport him. Majome said she visited the prison and found 66 foreign nationals held in the men's section. 'It is an issue of concern to the Commission because it involves a special category of people who should not be in prison,' she said. She stressed that authorities should not treat people arrested for irregular immigration like suspects awaiting trial, even though the offence is illegal. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
