BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato conducted walkabouts at the border post between SA and Lesotho as part of the authority’s 2025/2026 Festive Season Security Plan. The operation comes amid expectations that more than five million people will cross SA’s land borders with neighbouring countries over the holiday period.
The authority has introduced technologically advanced devices at Maseru Bridge and is using drones to monitor vulnerable areas along the border. According to Commissioner Masiapato, the drones allow rapid response teams to act swiftly in areas prone to criminal activity, strengthening border control and reducing opportunities for illegal crossings.
The BMA operates eight major land ports of entry, but currently has four drones, which are rotated between border posts based on assessed risk. Maseru Bridge has been identified as one of the areas with heightened vulnerabilities and criminal activity, prompting the deployment of drone surveillance there. Other ports, including Ficksburg and Caledonspoort, are monitored through alternative measures when drones are redeployed elsewhere.
In anticipation of the seasonal surge in travellers, the BMA has also increased its staff complement to improve processing capacity and maintain security standards. Additional personnel are expected to ease congestion while ensuring compliance with immigration and customs regulations.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
