In a significant test of new border enforcement technology, the Border Management Authority (BMA) reports that drone-assisted operations have led to the arrest of over 500 individuals attempting to cross illegally from Zimbabwe into South Africa at the Beitbridge border post since the start of the new year.
The arrests come amid a massive seasonal influx of people returning to South Africa after the festive holidays. BMA officials on the ground confirm they are processing approximately 25,000 legal crossings daily at Beitbridge, with even higher numbers anticipated in the coming days.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato, speaking from the border post, detailed the drone operations’ effectiveness. “We intercepted around 25 of the individuals that were trying to enter the country illegally… a day before that we did around 98, 99 of them,” he stated. He emphasized the targeting of smugglers, known locally as “gumas” or “gagmas,” who facilitate illegal crossings for a fee. Two such facilitators were recently arrested and charged with aiding and abetting.
“At the level of border space, we actually intercept and arrest what we call facilitators,” Commissioner Masiapato said. “They charge people 400 rand to be facilitated through the Limpopo River… it’s a very lucrative trade. And that is why when we arrest those, we make sure that they get into the system.”
The drone technology, introduced less than a year ago, is providing critical aerial surveillance over the rugged border terrain. Authorities report the drones are vital for monitoring movement on the Zimbabwean side of the Limpopo River, where the absence of a border fence allows easy access to the riverbank. From there, individuals often use makeshift boats to cross into South Africa, sometimes assisted by donkeys and carts on the other side.
A live broadcast from the border highlighted the ongoing challenges. Officials patrolling the “no man’s land” on the South African side pointed out active “docking stations” or harbors on the Zimbabwean bank, where boats load passengers. The area is also a hub for informal trade, with stalls set up under trees.
While praising the drone technology for improving interception rates, BMA spokespersons on site acknowledged systemic pressures. The sheer volume of people, both legal and illegal, presents a processing bottleneck, straining the authority’s capacity to act with desired speed.
The dangerous conditions of the border zone were also noted, with officials warning of threats from crocodiles and hippos in the Limpopo River.
The BMA asserts that the interceptions affirm the effectiveness of its border management systems and deployment strategies. However, with the post-holiday return leg still underway and thousands crossing daily, the authority faces a sustained test of its enhanced enforcement mechanisms at one of South Africa’s busiest and most porous land borders.