South African border officials caught over eight thousand people trying to enter the country illegally last quarter. The Border Management Authority reported that most were undocumented or classified as undesirable. The individuals primarily came from neighboring countries like Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.
Agents also found forty fake documents at major airports and a land crossing with Namibia. They seized a lot of counterfeit and dangerous goods too, including skin-lightening creams that health regulators warn can damage skin and kidneys.
The authority's commissioner, Michael Masiapato, said historical data shows a consistent pattern with nationals from Lesotho leading the attempts. For the holiday season, they are extending hours at several land borders that do not usually operate around the clock. They expect a wave of people leaving the country through late December, with the return flow happening after New Year's Day.
Agents also found forty fake documents at major airports and a land crossing with Namibia. They seized a lot of counterfeit and dangerous goods too, including skin-lightening creams that health regulators warn can damage skin and kidneys.
The authority's commissioner, Michael Masiapato, said historical data shows a consistent pattern with nationals from Lesotho leading the attempts. For the holiday season, they are extending hours at several land borders that do not usually operate around the clock. They expect a wave of people leaving the country through late December, with the return flow happening after New Year's Day.
