Key Points
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Drones intercepted more than 1,000 undocumented migrants.
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The technology helped track illegal crossings and enhance security.
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Authorities aim to tackle migration facilitators using a targeted approach.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has hailed the effectiveness of drones in intercepting undocumented migrants along the Beitbridge border.
The technology, deployed over the Easter weekend, played a crucial role in helping authorities prevent illegal crossings.
Drones boost interception rates during Easter weekend
BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato confirmed that drones helped authorities intercept more than 1,000 undocumented migrants trying to enter South Africa illegally.
He emphasized the value of drones, saying, “Without drones, this work becomes very expensive and ineffective.”
The drones allowed officials to monitor vulnerable areas, especially along the Beitbridge crossing, including the river where makeshift boats are often used.
The drones provided crucial intelligence to ground teams, enabling them to act quickly and efficiently.
Masiapato noted that, in the past, the BMA struggled to effectively address the issue of illegal immigration due to limited resources. The introduction of drones has significantly improved their efforts.
Future strategies to tackle migration challenges
South Africa’s borders, which also share boundaries with several countries, including Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have long struggled with illegal migration, human trafficking, and cross-border crime.
The BMA plans to target migration facilitators by using drones to locate illegal crossings and facilitate timely interventions.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber recently launched four drones and 40 body-worn cameras to improve border security, with the new technologies deployed for the first time over Easter.
Masiapato also criticized neighboring countries for not investing enough in efforts to curb illegal migration.
“Our neighbors don’t allocate many resources to it, understandably, because it does not affect them directly,” Masiapato said.
