This is part of efforts to curb illegal crossings. Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber announced this during a joint media briefing with the BMA management in Pretoria on their Easter operational plans.  

He says this use of technology was first piloted during the December holidays and yielded positive results.   

He says the four drones will be supported by five additional units in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Dr Leon Schreiber, "In terms of the capabilities these drones launch within 15 sectors, any indication that they are required or if there's a disturbance, they will be in the air immediately."      

"They have thermal vision detection. So, you cannot hide behind the tree. It will pick up your body heat and it will see you moving and trying to get into this country illegally. It has long range to zoom distance, and of course it has a very advanced camera that is able to record and detect movement."           
--SABC--