Briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday, Masiapato said the four-phase plan — covering planning, execution, demobilisation and sustenance — is designed to ensure smoother traveller processing and tighter border security during one of the busiest periods of the year.

He said the planning phase, which began on 15 September and concludes on 9 December, has included extensive consultations with public and private sector stakeholders.

“The planning phase is characterised by extensive consultative engagements with multiple stakeholders in the country operating in both public and private sectors. As a result, we have managed to secure few critical partnerships with various stakeholders as guided by section 5(c) of the Border Management Authority Act,” he said.

Among these new partnerships are agreements with the South African Freight Forwarders Association, the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters, and the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents, which will help fund some BMA operations through a cost-recovery model.

Technology companies such as DCD Protected Mobility, Aselsan South Africa and Unipro Protective Wear will assist in rolling out a suite of surveillance and protective tools.

“Drones and body cams will be fully operational to improve our detection capability and also address possible corruption from our team members,” Masiapato said.

To ease congestion at key ports, the BMA has also partnered with TRAC and SANRAL to strengthen traffic flow management at the busy Lebombo port of entry.

Masiapato added that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will again provide temporary infrastructure — including lighting, ablution facilities, barricades and Jojo tanks — across ports and corridors.

Additional ICT technicians will be deployed to support the movement control system, with further remote assistance from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Department of Home Affairs.

Masiapato said South Africa had also held discussions with neighbouring countries — Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, eSwatini and Botswana — to streamline cross-border operations.

“As a result, we have agreed to adjust operating hours at some of the key ports which do not operate on a 24-hour basis,” he said.

The execution phase will run from 10 December 2025 to 15 January 2026, split into a departure period (10 – 31 December) and a return period (1 – 15 January).

During this phase, enforcement measures will be tightened.

“We will be intensifying our measures to detect and seize narcotics, illicit goods, and even stolen vehicles. We want to warn all travellers to desist from committing any act of criminality around the ports or even in the border law enforcement areas as they will be detected and arrested,” Masiapato said.

Demobilisation will take place on 16 January, when ports that had extended operating hours revert to normal schedules.

The final sustenance phase begins on 17 January, with operations stabilising ahead of the 2026 Easter period.

The post BMA rolls out festive season plan with drones, body cams and new cross-border partnerships appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, during a media briefing to provide an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations, said 244 951 arrests were made.

“From the period 01 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 – a total of 9 908 accused were found guilty and convicted for various crimes, including murder, rape, armed robberies, house breaking and car hijacking,” Masemola said.

He also announced that a total of 2 198 illegal and unlicensed firearms were seized and confiscated during operations. These include 1 731 handguns, 154 homemade guns, 211 rifles, and 102 shotguns.

Masemola said the majority of firearms seized were confiscated in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.

“Firearms remain a big problem in South Africa as most serious and violent crimes including murders were committed with the use of a firearm,” the National Commissioner said.

In this regard, 37 658 rounds of ammunition were also seized and 1 767 explosives that are mainly used in illegal mining activities and cash in transit armed robberies were also seized.

In addition, the police recovered R4 million in cash and seized 16 293 stolen cell phones, which were either taken during crimes or used in their commission, for further investigation and analysis.

Furthermore, a total of 960 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

During the October to end January period, more than two million patrols were conducted, with more than 4 600 roadblocks, 620 000 stop and searches, and more than two million persons were searched in the country.

“Further to that, over 78 000 licensed liquor premises compliance inspections were executed together with more than 12 000 compliance inspections at firearm dealers and private security premises. A total of 6 547 unlicensed liquor premises were shut down throughout the country during this period.

“Through our safer festive season operational concept, which is inclusive of Operation Shanela, we intensified our prevention and combatting strategies on nine focus areas with serious and violent crimes at the centre of attention.

“From combatting and putting perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence-and Femicide (GBVF), Aggravated robberies, murders, rape and car hijacking in prison– we have been hard at work in asserting and reaffirming the authority of the state,” Masemola said.

“Crime intelligence continuously monitored various organised crime threats which include theft of motor vehicles, kidnappings for extortion, cash in transit armed robberies, critical infrastructure, illegal mining and stock theft – to mention but a few of other key crime categories,” the National Commissioner said.

The post Police arrest quarter of a million suspects over festive season appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Speaking at a briefing on Friday on the Border Management Authority (BMA) festive season operations, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the use of drones at five ports of entry on a pilot basis made an immediate and visible impact.

Schreiber said the piloting of new technology, including drones and body cameras, has demonstrated the power of digital transformation to secure and enhance border management.

“It is now time for the BMA to permanently acquire these capabilities, as we accelerate our work to digitalise South Africa’s port environment, including automating all entry and exit procedures,” the Minister said at the briefing held in Pretoria.

Schreiber commended the success registered at ports of entry to curb illegal activities.

“In previous years, festive season operations were characterised by fragmentation, lack of coordination and the inability to adjust quickly to changing circumstances on the ground.

“Thanks to the focus on coordination, technology and collaboration by the BMA, the number of attempted illegal border crossings by undocumented persons that were successfully prevented increased by 215% this past festive season.”

Operational successes

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the festive season plan was implemented from 6 – 31 December 2024 (the exit leg) and 1 – 18 January 2025 (the return leg).

In 2023/24, 15 924 undocumented persons who tried to come into the country illegally were intercepted. In 2024/2025, this number increased to 50 312.

Another 6 159 people were detected for overstaying, and a further 1 923 were refused entry due to fraudulent documentation or non-compliance with entry requirements.

BMA border guards, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), made 322 arrests, including 132 wanted criminals, and seized illicit goods that included R690 million worth of illegal cigarettes.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development assisted with the deployment of drones at Beitbridge, Maseru Bridge, Lebombo, Kopfontein and Oshoek. Forty-two pilots were assigned and effectively operated those drones across the five ports of entry.

The use of these drones at the five ports led to the detection of 2 188 additional people, who attempted to illegally enter the country.

“That is 2 188 people who would be walking among us illegally now if it was not for the use of this technology,” Schreiber said.

Furthermore, the drones led to 2 326 breaches in the border fence being identified and sealed.

Masiapato said prior to the implementation of the festive season plan, the BMA — an entity of the Department of Home Affairs — increased the human resource capacity at certain ports of entry and also extended operating hours at some of the ports, which do not normally operate on a 24-hour basis.

The BMA is mandated to facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of people and goods across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry, 52 of which are land, 10 are international airports and nine are seaports, as well as the border law enforcement area.

Cooperation pays off

Masiapato explained that during the implementation of the plan, the BMA collaborated with a multiplicity of law enforcement stakeholders, such as SAPS, South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force, Cross Border Road Transport Agency, Intelligence Structures, INTERPOL, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the Immigration Inspectorate of the Department of Home Affairs, the Road Traffic Management Cooperation and various locally based traffic authorities across the various provinces.

During the festive season, the BMA facilitated the legitimate movement of about 5 084 251 travelers across the 71 ports of entry. This number represents an increase of 51 680 travelers compared to the 2023/24 festive period.

The BMA processed over 395 189 private vehicles, 12 974 mini-bus taxis and 6 071 buses through the movement control system.

The BMA processed over 9 491 aircrafts through the international airports and about 660 vessels across seaports.

OR Tambo International Airport facilitated the majority of travelers at 1 065 636, followed by ⁠the Beitbridge land port of entry to Zimbabwe at 645 590 travelers, and then followed by the Lebombo land port of entry to Mozambique at 571 131.

Compared to the 2023/24 festive period, Lebombo experienced a decline of about 183 935 travelers.

Working with SARS, the BMA facilitated a total of 58 938 trucks for both import and export.

Out of the total number of  58 938 processed trucks, 47 891 were processed for exports and 11 047 were processed for imports.

Masiapato thanked the border guards and coastal guards, who continue to do their best in the midst of challenges and complexities associated with border law enforcement work.

“We are very hopeful that we will be able to get the resources and fully enrol the requisite technologies required for effective border management,” he said.

The post Drone technology boosts border security over festive season appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

“As the BMA, along with all the stakeholders at the Beitbridge port of entry, we are more than ready to implement the return leg of our festive season plan,” said Masiapato. “We concluded the exit leg on 31 December 2024, and from 01 January 2025, we are prepared to begin receiving people returning to South Africa through Beitbridge.”

The Commissioner was at the Beitbridge port of entry from 2 to 4 January 2025 to oversee operations, supported by Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana.

Beitbridge is the busiest land port in the country, and with the festive season ending, an uptick in traffic is expected. The port has already seen a steady flow of travellers, but the numbers are expected to rise sharply over the next few days.

Masiapato began the operations on Thursday by chairing a Port Management Committee meeting, which was attended by key stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The purpose of the meeting was to consolidate efforts and receive updates on the return phase of the festive season plan.

To accommodate the expected surge in traffic, the port has introduced clear demarcations for streamlined processing. Separate areas have been designated for small vehicles, public transport (buses and taxis), and trucks, with the latter being managed under the leadership of SARS.

“We have clearly demarcated areas inside the port for the processing of small vehicles, buses, taxis, and trucks,” Masiapato explained, add that the processing of trucks is specifically handled in cooperation with SARS.

Although traffic at the port has been light thus far, with fewer than 2,000 travellers processed since by 3 January 2025, Masiapato anticipates a sharp increase in numbers starting Friday afternoon and continuing into the weekend.

“We are prepared to handle the surge in traffic as it starts to build up. So far, the numbers have been low, but we expect to see a significant escalation in the coming hours and tomorrow,” Masiapato stated.

In a joint effort with SAPS, the BMA is also on high alert for stolen or unauthorized vehicles attempting to cross the border. Strict verification processes are in place to ensure that only legitimate vehicles are allowed to enter South Africa.

• Financed vehicles: Vehicles that are financed must have an authorization letter from their financial institution permitting them to leave the country.
• Database checks: All vehicles are cross-referenced against SAPS databases to identify stolen or flagged vehicles using license plate information.
• Active monitoring: SAPS officers stationed along the corridor to the port are actively monitoring vehicle compliance and verifying the status of each vehicle.

“We are committed to ensuring that only legitimate vehicles are allowed to cross. Right now, along the corridor leading to the port, SAPS officers are actively assessing all vehicles to ensure they meet the required standards,” said Masiapato.

As South Africa prepares for a busy travel period, the BMA, along with other key stakeholders, is confident that the Beitbridge port of entry is ready to manage the anticipated influx of travellers. With clear processing protocols, heightened security measures, and a dedicated team overseeing operations, the BMA is determined to ensure a smooth and secure crossing for holidaymakers returning to South Africa.

The post BMA implements return phase of festive season plan appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The newly qualified police constables successfully completed the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP), qualifying them to hit the ground running in support of Safer Festive Season Operations and general law enforcement obligations.

Of the 2 699 new constables, 2 060 graduated from the Tswhane Academy, 399 graduated from Bishop Lavis, 112 from Graaf-Reinet, and 128 from Ulundi. Of these, 1 344 are males and 1 355 females.

Speaking at a passing out parade at the SAPS Academy in Tshwane, National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, said, “the young men and women in blue passing out today form part of our 2024 BPDLP recruitment drive. It is worth noting that, parallel to this passing out parade are three other parades taking place today at Bishop Lavis Academy in the Western Cape province, Ulundi Academy in KwaZulu-Natal province, and Graaff-Reinet Academy in the Eastern Cape province.

“This tells us that this week, we are welcoming a considerable number of new Constables to our organisation. These new members are passing out after successfully completing the nine months long NQF level 5 BPDLP training and the first phase of Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) non-commissioned police official training, which is a NQF level 6 qualification.

“During the nine months since their arrival at our academy in April this year, the trainees were oriented on the SAPS in general and taken through the SAPS Code of Conduct, covering professional and ethical conduct. The trainees also underwent rigorous training in Law focusing on — to cite a few— the Criminal Procedure Act, the SAPS Act, and other related legislation such as the Constitution within the context of policing.

“Over the period of training, the trainees have also been equipped with critical skills required for the Community Service Centre, which is our most important point of contact between the police and our communities.

“Our new Constables have also been given the necessary insight into crime detection and were trained in understanding the elements of crime, statement-taking, and investigations across the spectrum.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the trainees have also been exposed to crime prevention and have received insight into sector policing, community policing, and partnership policing. One other learning area the trainees were exposed to is street survival and the use of firearms, where they were equipped with knowledge and skills relating to tactical policing and the use of firearms,” Masemola said.

Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, addressing the Tshwane graduates, said, “we need to increase our visibility and that means more boots on the ground. Your deployment to police stations across the country comes at a crucial time, as we enter the busy festive season. It is at the grassroots level where you will make the most impact, fostering trust, ensuring safety, and maintaining law and order in our communities. You will be the first line of defence against crime, and your presence will bring hope and reassurance to the citizens you serve.

“We understand that the work ahead will not be easy. Policing is a demanding profession, and your wellbeing is important to us. As a Ministry, we are committed to reviewing and improving the conditions of service for our officers. We will continue working to ensure that you have the tools, resources, and conducive working environments needed to perform your duties effectively and efficiently.”

Mchunu also told graduates that there are high expectations of integrity and ethical conduct. “Let me be clear: there is no room for corruption within the South African Police Service. Any officer who chooses to betray this noble profession by engaging in corrupt activities will face the full might of the law.”

The post SAPS ranks boosted by 2 700 in time for festive season deployment appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

“The plans laid out are reassuring that the BMA and stakeholders are ready for a seamless movement of the expected increased volumes of people and goods into and out of the country. The adoption of technology as a force multiplier is a welcomed intervention in the context of the increased fiscal pressures that hinder maximum deployment of human resources to the ports of entry,” said Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs.

The committee on 26 November received an update on the readiness of the BMA and the Department of Home Affairs to handle the increased volumes of people and goods during the upcoming festive season.

The committee welcomed the assurance that the BMA will be operating Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) to monitor congestions, illegal movement of people across the border line and any acts that require interventions. “The committee has been steadfast in its insistence that the BMA must consider such interventions as they will assist the Authority to be agile and respond timeously to incidents,” it said in a statement.

Despite this, the committee urged the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor) to urgently conclude procurement of the BMA’s own drones to ensure that the Authority has the capabilities it needs to implement its mandate.

Meanwhile, the committee welcomed comprehensive collaboration between the BMA, local law enforcement agencies and the South African National Defence Force aimed at securing the country’s borders especially during the period of increased movement.

“The intention to activate specialised South African Police Service (SAPS) units to deal with high risk or hostile situations is welcomed as it will ensure a safe and secure movement. Furthermore, the activation of intelligence driven operations to neutralize and combat cross border crimes is a welcomed intervention,” the Committee said.

The committee also welcomed the assurance that the BMA is working with governments of neighbouring countries to ensure that movement is seamless and that bottlenecks are eradicated. While the committee acknowledge that the finalisation of the One Stop Border Post policy will be a long-term solution to the movement of people and goods, the efforts to streamline systems between governments is necessary as an interim measure.

The deployment of about 314 additional human resources to various high-volume ports of entry will also assist in ensuring the faster movement of people and goods across the port of entry. The committee welcomed the proactive nature of the facilitation of deployment of additional capacity.

The committee has highlighted the Information Technology downtime as a critical risk that the BMA must monitor and implement mitigating measures to ensure that it does not negatively impede movement. In line with this, the committee welcomed the assurance that the BMA will have a full-time deployment of ICT technicians at the 12 prioritised ports of entry to provide direct support and prevent delays.

Meanwhile, the committee welcomed the swift action by the BMA to secure the Lebombo port of entry during the protests in Mozambique. The collaboration with the SAPS ensured that relative safety is maintained and that minimal incidents were recorded on the South African side of the border. Also, the collaboration between the South African and Mozambican governments must be enhanced especially going into the festive season.

The BMA noted that the South African border environment is characterised by a significant increase in the movements of persons and goods across the various ports of entry during peak periods such as the festive season, often accompanied by various operational dynamics/challenges, including security threats and risks.

The 2021/22 festive season period registered 1.6 million movements at all 72 points of entry, whilst during the 2022/23 festive season a total of 4 million movements were registered. The 2023/24 season registered a further increase of 26%, with 5 million movements at 71 points of entry after Zanzibar port was decommissioned.

The post BMA ready to roll-out safe movement of people and goods over the festive season appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The suspects were apprehended for crimes including sexual offences, murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, drug trafficking, illegal liquor dealing, possession of drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, burglaries at both business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illicit mining activities involving gold-bearing material.

In addition to the arrests, 301 individuals suspected of being undocumented were detained and processed by Immigration Officials. A total of 372 arrests were made during targeted detective operations aimed at high-risk suspects.

As part of the comprehensive operations, law enforcement officers conducted searches at 203 premises, 2569 individuals, and 543 vehicles. They also carried out compliance inspections at 131 licensed liquor outlets, 72 second-hand goods dealers, and 29 farms. The operations led to significant seizures, including 83 rounds of ammunition, eight firearms, three vehicles, various drugs, and assorted alcoholic beverages.

Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Commissioner of North West, praised all involved for their commitment and for asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. “This operation underscores our collective dedication to combatting crime and maintaining public order,” he said.

Limpopo, meanwhile, between 4 and 10 November saw 611 suspects arrested as part of Shanela operations that included roadblocks, stop and searches, and tracing of wanted suspects. Four firearms and 28 ‘dangerous weapons’ were seized, one stolen or hijacked motor vehicle was recovered, and small quantities of drugs were seized, the SAPS said.

The previous week (28 October to 3 November), nationwide Shanela operations netted 13020 arrests, including 2052 wanted suspects, 1122 illegal immigrants, 579 drunk drivers, and 140 murder suspects. Nearly 100 firearms and 1180 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated, along with 44 hijacked or stolen vehicles.

The post Operation Shanela nets over 2000 offenders in the North West appeared first on ProtectionWeb.