Overview
- Beitbridge processed 22,483 travellers on January 3, with the BMA saying daily volumes are now averaging about 25,000.
- The BMA intercepted more than 546 people on January 1 and 2 and added at least 25 arrests on January 5, with deportation procedures initiated.
- Officials say operations are backed by coordinated enforcement with the SANDF and SAPS to secure ports of entry and nearby borderlines.
- The BMA reports arrests of facilitators accused of aiding illegal river crossings and has deployed a drone to monitor activity.
- Multiple processing and interception points are active, vulnerable travellers are prioritised, port health screenings continue, and prohibited agricultural and animal products are being seized under intensified biosecurity controls.