The Border Management Authority has confirmed that a bus intercepted on the N1 near Bloemfontein carrying undocumented Zimbabwean nationals was processed through the Beitbridge Port of Entry in line with procedures. Authorities detained 20 adults and placed 12 children in a place of safety after the stop. All 43 passengers' documents were verified as legitimate upon entry.
A bus carrying 32 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals was stopped at a roadblock on the N1 near Bloemfontein in the Free State on Thursday night. The vehicle was en route to Cape Town. Officials separated 12 children from their guardians, detaining 20 adults while taking the children to a place of safety.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato confirmed that the bus had been processed through the Beitbridge Port of Entry according to all prescribed procedures. On arrival, it entered via the North Gate, where the 43 passengers alighted with their luggage for mandatory screening.
The bus was searched for undocumented individuals, and the driver presented a passenger manifest listing names and passport numbers. BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi stated: “Each passenger proceeded to immigration counters where they presented their passports to BMA immigration officials. All documents were verified and found to be legitimate, and the passengers were duly processed and granted entry into South Africa in line with applicable immigration prescripts.”
