Major success: Cross-border bus stopped in Free State operation

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The parliament portfolio committee on home affairs has welcomed the interception of a cross-border bus by the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport on Friday.

The bus traveling from Zimbabwe to Cape Town had 32 undocumented foreign nationals alongside 43 passengers who were properly processed at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

Authorities allegedly picked up the 32 undocumented passengers after the bus had crossed into South Africa, specifically in Makhado and Johannesburg.
 
Committee chairperson Mosa Chabane said the interception calls for stricter enforcement and accountability within the cross-border transport sector.
 
“We commend the provincial department for its vigilance and decisive action. This interception exposes serious violations that undermine the integrity of our immigration system and border controls,” said Chabane.
 
Chabane urged the Border Management Authority (BMA) to take decisive action by suspending Rimbi Travel and Tours, the bus operator involved, while an investigation is conducted to determine how 32 undocumented passengers ended up on the bus.

Protecting integrity of border management systems

He stressed the importance of implementing effective consequence management to convey a strong warning to operators who intentionally violate the law.

He stated that decisive action was necessary to prevent further non-compliance and protect the integrity of the nation’s border management systems.

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Chabane stressed the necessity of a coordinated approach among law enforcement agencies, including immigration officers and the South African police service, to tackle the issue of undocumented foreign nationals in the country.

“An integrated law enforcement approach is critical to ensure that undocumented individuals within our borders are identified and processed in line with the law. This requires ongoing collaboration and information-sharing between all relevant authorities,” he said.