The latest report from the Easter border operations shows that Zimbabweans top the list of those caught trying to cross into South Africa without the proper papers.
This came out after the Border Management Authority (BMA), along with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Home Affairs, stepped up their game over the Easter holidays to try and stop people from entering the country illegally.
An Increase in illegal crossing
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato recently briefed the media on the outcomes of the Easter operation. The operation spanned from 15 April to 24 April, and Masiapato revealed an 8% increase in travel over the period, with about one million movements recorded across all 71 ports of entry.
He also revealed that authorities detained more than 6 000 individuals attempting to enter or exit South Africa illegally, a 61% increase compared to previous figures.
Zimbabweans lead attempts to enter SA illegally
Highlighting a consistent pattern of the top three nationalities undermining immigration laws, Masiapato pointed to Zimbabweans as the highest offenders.
According to BMA, Zimbabwean, Mozambican, and Basotho nationals remain the top three nationalities attempting to enter South Africa illegally.
Zimbabweans had their numbers reach 2 019, according to the report. After them, the next biggest group was from Lesotho, with 1 921 individuals. Sadly, there were also 1 143 instances involving people from Mozambique. The report further noted that the remaining 1 170 cases involved Swati nationals and individuals of other nationalities.
What do you think makes individuals enter South Africa illegally
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