The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato has issued a stern warning to criminals engaging in unlawful activities and attempting to cross borders with illicit and stolen goods. This is following arrests at various ports of entry.
One Mozambican was arrested yesterday, 15 November 2023 at Kosi Bay after being found in possession of stolen goods. A BMA led operation which followed intelligence information, recovered 4 x stolen solar panels and 11 x tower batteries.
On investigation, it was discovered that the batteries and panels were part of items stolen in the Empangeni area during a business burglary where a total of 84 Tower Batteries and Solar panels belonging to Eskom were stolen. The investigation team from Eskom was informed and the suspect was taken to Manguzi Police Station.
Another BMA operation led to the arrest of two males at the Qachas Nek vulnerable segment in the Eastern Cape land border. On 14 November 2023 an intelligence driven operation was conducted with Avondale police, BMA members and Border police members on two homesteads along the borderline. Two males were found in possession of unlicensed firearms. 1 x Rifle, 1 x revolver and 48 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. Both suspects are detained in Avondale police station.
“The Border Management Authority is committed to maintaining border law enforcement with strict control measures in place to detect and prevent illegal activities. The BMA border guards have been deployed to intercept criminal activities and we are committed to maintaining law and order at our ports on entry”, Dr Masiapato said.
The Border Management Authority is the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service. It is mandated to perform border management functions within ports of entry and at law enforcement areas.
Enquiries and media interviews:
Mmemme Mogotsi
Deputy Assistant Commissioner: Communication and Marketing
Email: mmemme.mogotsi@bma.gov.za
Cell: +27 72 856 4288
Pictures attached: Cred BMA Border Guards
ISSUED BY THE BORDER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
16 November 2023