This marks a significant step in the BMA's efforts to clamp down on border-related criminal activities.

According to Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the BMA, the arrests were facilitated by cutting-edge technology, including drones and body-worn cameras deployed across vulnerable sections of the border. Masiapato, who is on a two-day visit to assess the Easter safety operations, lauded the effectiveness of these measures in curbing illegal crossings.

“We are able to monitor the vulnerable segments of the border, whether it be the ports or the corridors. For instance, at Beitbridge, we’ve seen individuals using boats to cross the river. By tracking their movement using drones and sending coordinates to our border guards on the ground, we intercept them effectively,” Masiapato stated.

The deployment of drones represents a landmark shift in border management, allowing authorities to track movements with precision and respond swiftly to threats. The BMA's strategy integrates real-time surveillance with coordinated ground operations, ensuring heightened security and monitoring capabilities.

Masiapato expressed confidence in the use of advanced technology, describing it as a valuable tool in addressing long-standing challenges at the Beitbridge Border Post. “Our border guards are empowered with push devices, enabling them to act swiftly and decisively,” he added.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--