More Border Management Authority resources will be deployed and operating times will be increased at the country’s ports of entry in anticipation of an increase in movements during the Easter long weekend.
COURTESY: BMABMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato briefed the media in
Pretoria, on Monday, where he outlined the accelerated security control
measures at the ports of entry during the holy period
‘’As was the case in December/January period, previous
trends show that the Easter period shows an increase in travel as well as trade
activities at ports of entry and border law enforcement area. As a result we are
compelled to properly plan and execute a deliberate plan in order to ensure
smooth and secure border operations during this period. It is therefore a
critical need for the authority to increase its deployment of resources in
anticipation of increased movements at the borders, as this presents unique
challenges as well as opportunities.’’
Masiapato says the facilitation of movement at the ports of
entry is done across five key functional areas of immigration, port health,
environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and
general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
“During these facilitations, the BMA officials have to secure the ports environment against threats of illegal migration, smuggling, as well as trafficking of persons and goods. With this in mind, we have formulated comprehensive strategies and an operational plan to ensure that our deployments are responsive and ensure efficient port operations, with the requisite capability to deal with any security threats and/or risks, which may arise during the upcoming Easter period,” he said.
COURTESY - BMA: BMA Commissioner, Dr. Michael Masiapato“Since our establishment, the BMA has intensified its
working relationship with the Immigration Inspectorate, which has the mandate
to identify illegal migrants who are already in the country and ensure their
processing for deportation to their respective countries,” Masiapato said.
Masiapato says this Easter operational phase contains four
phases. He says it anticipates high volumes as many go to various destinations
outside the country. BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said in this Easter
period, they anticipate about one million people moving through the country’s
ports.
“The numbers for this year’s Easter period could escalate
further as members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), one of our biggest
churches in the region, is opening for the annual Easter pilgrimage to Moria, Limpopo
for the first time since COVID-19.”
COURTESY: BMAMasiapato says majority of the people entered via its ports
of entries were Beitbridge to Zimbabwe, Lebombo to Mozambique, Groblers Bridge
to Botswana, Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg to Lesotho, OR Tambo International
Airport, Cape Town International Airport, Oshoek to Eswatini, Kopfontein to
Botswana and Caledonspoort to Lesotho.
Masiapato said the BMA has engaged their counterparts in
Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Botswana, and they have agreed to
extending operating hours at certain critical ports, which do not usually
operate on a 24-hours basis.
The chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Consultative
Committee on Border Management, who is also the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr
Aaron Motsoaledi, has approved the request to extend operating hours for
selected ports.
Furthermore, Motsiapato says contingency measure are in
place to prevent illegal activates
‘’Serious consequences to any official found in any corrupt
activities, such as illegal movement of persons and goods in and out of the
Republic. We are issuing a stern warning to travelers and all officials to not get involved in illegal activities, as
they will be caught and harshly punished.’’
Done By: Mitchum George
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