The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato has confirmed the significant disruption of smuggling of illicit goods and food items which took place yesterday, 15 December 2025 at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
Since the start of the 2025/26 festive season operations, the BMA has recorded a successful interception, with more than R350 000 worth of non-perishable food items as well as 210 x car batteries weighing 2063 and valued at over R412 600. The BMA also intercepted a H100 Hyundai truck with the value of R159 000.These interceptions were made successful through the deployment of advanced, multi-faceted surveillance technology in operationally vulnerable areas.
Commissioner Masiapato said the milestone reflects the impact of an intelligence-led and technology-driven approach to border law enforcement.
“As part of the BMA’s intensified law enforcement posture for the 2025/26 festive period, the Authority has partnered with DCD Protected Mobility, a local South African defence company, in collaboration with its partners Aselsan South Africa and Unipro Protective Wear. Through this partnership, the South African Defence Industry is supporting the BMA by demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated surveillance, mobility and command-and-control systems” Dr Masiapato said.
The integrated solution has been deployed at Beitbridge, one of the country’s highest-volume land ports of entry, which is historically vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities. This initiative forms part of a structured pilot project aimed at enhancing visibility, accountability and situational awareness during the busiest travel seasons of the year.
DCD Protected Mobility has supported the BMA with three specialised vehicles for border patrol operations, comprising two Springbuck Standard Duty personnel carriers for patrol duties and one Sherp all-terrain vehicle designed for operations in extremely challenging terrain. These platforms are configured to support command and control, ambulance services and weapon-platform capabilities, significantly strengthening operational reach and responsiveness.
Since the commencement of this support, the BMA has intercepted a variety of illicit goods including illicit alcohol , counterfeit food and clothing and many illegal immigrants who were detected along the borderline. Furthermore, the deployment of this equipment has deterred illegal movements along the borderline further demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated technology and mobility solutions in disrupting organised smuggling activities.
Commissioner Masiapato emphasised that festive season operations are not only focused on facilitating legitimate travel and trade, but also on decisively dismantling criminal networks that undermine the country’s security and economy.
“The message is clear: South Africa’s borders are no longer soft targets. Through innovation, strong partnerships and decisive enforcement, the BMA will continue to protect the sovereignty of the Republic, the integrity of its borders and the safety of its people,” added Commissioner Masiapato.