Cape Town – The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it facilitated over 1.1 million travellers across 71 ports of entry, during the Easter period, marking a 24% increase compared to the previous year.
Commissioner Dr Mike Masiapato announced these figures on Sunday, highlighting OR Tambo International Airport, Lebombo, and Beitbridge as the busiest ports.
[WATCH] The Border Management Authority updated on movements at SA’s ports of entry during the Easter weekend. BMA Commissioner Mike Masiapato says they facilitated the movement of 1,136 250 from March 26 to April 4.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/jnhuIWY9Uq
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 14, 2024
“In fact, OR Tambo facilitated the most travellers at 217 855, followed by Lebombo at 157 069 and Beitbridge at 153 118 travellers,” he said at a media briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) head office in Pretoria.
He added that the Cape Town harbour had seen an increase in the number of holiday makers boarding cruise ships for various destinations, according to border law enforcement officials.
The BMA also managed thousands of vehicles, taxis, buses, and aircraft, along with vessels at seaports.
Over 3,800 individuals attempting illegal entry were intercepted, with reasons ranging from lack of documents to invalid passports.
[WATCH] BMA Commissioner Mike Masiapato says they intercepted around 3,841 people trying to enter SA illegally from March 26 to April 4. Masiapato says the majority of those caught trying to enter SA without documents were processed, declared undesirable for 5 years & deported. pic.twitter.com/Il1NOsrf5d
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 14, 2024
“The majority of those arrested without documents were intercepted at the vulnerable segments of the borderline. They were processed, declared undesirable for five years, and were deported,” Masiapato said.
The success of Easter operations was attributed to proactive measures and collaboration with traffic authorities.
Masiapato expressed gratitude to motorists and praised Stockpoort port for its efficiency during the Easter pilgrimage.
The announcement follows a tragic bus crash involving Botswana nationals, visited by Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Mokgweetsi Masisi earlier in the week.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
