Drone technology enhances border security as BMA intercepts illegal crossings

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has highlighted the role of drone technology in strengthening border security, enabling the interception of illegal crossings and the detection of bribery networks operating along South Africa’s borders.

BMA reveals that arrests were made on Monday as thousands of holidaymakers were returning to their destinations. It is revealed that drones captured live footage of a group of migrants attempting to cross from Zimbabwe into South Africa through nearby bushes, prompting an immediate response by ground teams.

BMA Commissioner Dr Mike Masiapato, who was at the Beitbridge at the time, said the use of drones has improved the accuracy and effectiveness of border operations.

According to the BMA, facilitators often work as part of organised networks, charging migrants fees to guide them across the Limpopo River and through unsecured border areas. These syndicates are believed to rely on bribery and insider information to evade detection.

“The drones have been helpful because it helps do the work better, so when our response teams pounce, they pounce on something that is real on the ground.The issue we have established as the BMA is the national border targeting center, that is where the analysis and trends are done, they provide all of that data and update us when things are shifting. Zimbabweans are now avoiding Beitbridge and are now going to Botswana Grobler Bridge and that is why we intercepted over 3 400 that side. What we also do, we also intercept and arrest what we call facilitators that are the ring leaders and they charge people R400 through the Limpopo River. We arrest them and make sure they go to court.”Masiapato said.

BMA reveals that two men were also arrested for allegedly facilitating the illegal movement of people and were handed over to the Musina Police Station. The remaining migrants were processed for deportation.

Masiapato explained that drones allow authorities to monitor movements from the air, enabling response teams to intervene only once individuals have crossed into South African territory.

A similar drone-led operation conducted on January 4 resulted in the interception of 99 people, two of whom were identified as facilitators and arrested.

Drone footage released by the BMA shows migrants running through dense bushes as they attempted to evade detection. Officials say the technology has proven effective because many migrants are unaware they are being monitored.

Masiapato also criticized neighboring countries for failing to do more to prevent illegal border crossings, saying South Africa is often left to manage the issue alone.

The BMA confirmed that drone surveillance is no longer limited to peak travel periods, adding that the technology is now permanently deployed and operated daily by trained border guards as part of efforts to secure South Africa’s borders.

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Saturday Star