BMA ramps up efforts to trace and deport illegal citizens

JOHANNESBURG - The Border Management Authority (BMA) is ramping up its efforts to trace and deport people who entered South Africa illegally, before its establishment last year.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on its festive season cross-border readiness, the authority admitted that many improperly documented individuals had slipped through the cracks before its formation.

Established in April last year, the BMA was tasked with securing South Africa’s porous borders and tackling illegal immigration and cross-border criminality.

Playing catch-up, finding its feet and protecting South Africa’s borders - the BMA has a daunting task but says it’s ready to deliver.

A multi-departmental approach, targeted border crime strategies, and upgrades to the country’s 71 ports of entry form part of its mitigation efforts.

Earlier this year, during the Easter season, the authority deployed hundreds of additional personnel, and 69 more officers are set to join its ranks this festive season.

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BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato issued a clear message to potential border violators.

 “We would like to send a stern warning to all the individuals who plan on entering South Africa’s borders illegally that the border guards working with SANDF [South African National Defence Force] will be waiting for them.”

With backing from the Home Affairs Department, Masiapato says the work is just beginning.

As the BMA prepares for the peak travel season this festive period, it has taken action against 53 of its officials.

To date, three officials have been placed on precautionary suspension, seven have been dismissed and 43 are undergoing disciplinary action.

Like many government departments, the BMA is not immune to corruption within its ranks.

However, as it takes on the monumental task of securing and rehabilitating South Africa’s borders, the BMA says it will not tolerate corruption that threatens its mandate.

"As the BMA we have adopted a zero tolerance of corrupt tendencies within the organisation. This is demonstrated collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit," said Masiapato.

Masiapato also urged the public to hold the BMA accountable and to ensure it fulfils its mandate without fear or favour.