Border Management Authority SA BMA

16/10/2026

15/10/2026

Today, the BMA commemorated at Lebombo Port of Entry, educating travellers about the threats posed by invasive species to South Africa’s biodiversity, environment and food security.

Led by BMA Port Environment Senior Specialist, Ms Karabo Wanjau, the activation included awareness-raising activities and stop-and-search operations to identify and prevent the illegal introduction of invasive species into the country.

14/10/2026

BMA ARRESTS AN OFFICIAL ON CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS AND POSSESSION OF 22 PASSPORTS

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, confirms the arrest of a 56-year-old BMA official stationed at the Maseru Port of Entry with Lesotho, following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the BMA Integrity Management Unit, the Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Unit, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Ladybrand Detectives and K9 Unit, and Crime Intelligence Free State.

The arrest took place just over 10 days after the fifth instalment of the Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign, hosted under the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum at OR Tambo International Airport. The operation was initiated after information was received from the State Security Agency regarding several Lesotho nationals' passports that had been placed under monitoring. Intelligence indicated that the passports had allegedly been transported from Limpopo to Ladybrand for the purpose of unlawfully being stamped and extending their visa validity and stay in the Republic of South Africa without the passport holders being physically present, as required by law.

Acting on this information, law enforcement authorities conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of the BMA official. At the time of the arrest, the official was allegedly found in possession of 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals, without the lawful holders being present, as well as R2 100 in cash.

The suspect was arrested on the spot and is expected to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate's Court on charges relating to corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority, and immigration-related offences. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out.

Since the establishment of the BMA three years ago, more arrests of officials have taken place under the leadership and direction of Commissioner Masiapato.

“The BMA was established to address longstanding challenges relating to illegal migration and corruption within the ecosystem. South Africa is beginning to see the tangible benefits of the BMA leadership's firm and uncompromising stance against corruption. The BMA is currently finalising more than 60 labour relations and disciplinary cases involving internal control breaches, fraud, corruption and other misconduct affecting organisational integrity. In the last three months, 17 officials were dismissed from the BMA and more are expected.’ Dr Masiapato added.

Commissioner Masiapato, who brings extensive intelligence experience to his leadership, has made it unequivocally clear that the Border Management Authority will remain committed to combating corruption and safeguarding the integrity of South Africa's ports of entry. The Authority will continue to work closely with law enforcement and security agencies to detect, investigate and ensure the prosecution of officials involved in unlawful activities.

Photos supplied by the BMA.

ENQUIRIES
Mmemme Mogotsi
Deputy Assistant Commissioner: Communications and Marketing
Cell: 072 856 4288
Email: [email protected]

"If you see something, say something" - Operation HI-TIVISE
Continue to report illegal activities at the borders by calling 076 776 1307 or 0801 229 019. Illegal activities can also be reported online through the BMA website bma.gov.za Please provide detailed information that will assist us to follow-up.

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE BORDER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

14 October 2026

14/10/2026

The countdown to the launch of the Vehicle Targeting System (VTS) is on!

On 18 October 2026, the BMA will showcase a new digital system to advance intelligence-led border security through smart automation and targeted vehicle interceptions.

The VTS aims to strengthen the detection of vehicles of interest, combat cross-border vehicle smuggling and enhance national security.

13/10/2026

In light of vehicle theft and cross-border vehicle smuggling, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, will launch our latest digital transformation initiative, the Vehicle Targeting System (VTS).

The VTS replaces indiscriminate manual inspection of vehicles with intelligence-led selection to enable officers to intervene where data points to, rather than at random.

07/10/2026

THE BMA DISMISSES CLAIMS THAT DEPORTEES ARE ENTERING SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH INFORMAL BORDER CROSSINGS

The BMA has noted claims that deportees are entering South Africa through informal border crossings and wishes to clarify that South Africa’s land Ports of Entry with the Kingdom of Eswatini are secured, with access control measures implemented at designated entry and exit points.

The BMA dismisses claims that deportees are entering South Africa through informal border crossings.

The BMA supported by other law enforcement authorities maintains a presence across the country’s Ports of Entry and continues to conduct border surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent and detect unlawful entry, including the smuggling and trafficking of persons.

It is imperative to understand that any person who is in transit through South African Airports go through international transfers without entering the Republic. Therefore, any attempt to circumvent formal Ports of Entry is subject to detection and enforcement action.

06/10/2026

Recent public comments following the Constitutional Court’s judgment on aspects of the asylum system has raised questions about the role of the BMA.

It is important to understand that the BMA continues to manage the legitimate movement of people and goods at Ports of Entry, while performing frontline border law-enforcement and specialised border-management functions.

These include immigration control, port health, environmental security and biosecurity, among other functions that contribute to the protection and security of South Africa’s borders.

The BMA’s mandate remains to secure South Africa’s borders and ensure that the movement of people and goods is managed in accordance with applicable laws.

The asylum-system judgment does not mean that South Africa is “free for all”. The BMA continues to execute its mandate in accordance with the law.

04/10/2026

The public is urged to beware of a fake recruitment poster circulating on social media claiming that the Border Management Authority is recruiting 2000 Border Guards.

This advertisement is NOT from the BMA. It is important to always verify available vacancies on the official BMA website.

02/10/2026

The Border Management and Immigration Fraud and Anti-Corruption Awareness Forum is underway at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. 🇿🇦

The forum brings stakeholders together to strengthen awareness, promote integrity and support efforts to combat immigration fraud and corruption at South Africa’s borders.

02/10/2026

BMIACF live
Link below:

Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum's event.