Border management nabs 30 illegal nationals attempting to enter South Africa

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted 30 illegal foreign nationals at O.R. Tambo International Airport, preventing them from entering the country.

The group comprised 14 Ethiopian nationals and 16 Bangladeshi nationals.

The interceptions, which occurred on 11 December 2025, stem from the BMA’s heightened vigilance and risk targeting models aimed at shifting the border to detect risks before they land in South Africa.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, BMA Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana detailed the methods used by the intercepted groups.

The 14 Ethiopian nationals were flagged using a “considered risk targeting model”. Their pattern involved using South Africa as a transit point to another country, only to find a way to re-enter South Africa later using land borders.

The group of 16 male Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted after attempting to blend in with locals. They carried fraudulent visas and tried to use the lanes dedicated to South African citizens.

BMA officials confirmed that this incident reflects an emerging pattern and an increase in visa fraud attempts at O.R. Tambo and other ports.

In response, the BMA stated that it has increased its vigilance, enhanced its intelligence gathering through its targeting model, and is focusing on training its officials.

Thupana said that officials are being trained to be more vigilant, scrutinise documents closely, and identify suspicious patterns by observing the movement and demeanor of people within the port.

Investigations and penalties

Following the interceptions, the individuals are set to be deported back to their countries of origin.

In addition, the airlines that transported these individuals will be heavily penalised under the immigration act. A fine of R15,000 per individual who was facilitated in this manner will be levied against the airlines.

Preliminary investigations into the incident have revealed a modus operandi commonly associated with human trafficking syndicates, though BMA officials could not decisively confirm this yet.

Further investigations involving partners like the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Interpol are underway to determine if the travelers were voluntary adults attempting to enter illegally or if they were being facilitated by criminal syndicates.

Regarding the fraudulent visas, the BMA said that it is working closely with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

The DHA will conduct investigations to determine the source of the fraudulent visas—whether they originated externally through independent means or were facilitated through the department’s own system, potentially by corrupt officials.