Thousands intercepted at Lebombo and Beitbridge border posts

PRETORIA - The Border Management Authority says the festive period gave them a few headaches.

Commissioner Mike Masiapato says they detected more than 15,000 people trying to enter the country illegally.

Masiapato says officials intercepted the majority of those who were trying to enter South Africa illegally at the Lebombo and Beit Bridge borders.

Meanwhile, the Border Management Authority says over 5-million travellers came through the South African ports of entry over the December holidays.

From April 2023, the BMA took responsibility for the management of all land, sea and air border activities.

Masiapato says they are a million shy of pre-COVID numbers.