Boarder Management Authority (BMA)
By Karabo Marifi
BMA Border Guards successfully intercepted R424,800 in cash at the Oshoek port of entry, situated along the borderline between South Africa and eSwatini. This interception, which occurred during a routine search in the early hours of the morning, underscores the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) commitment to securing the nation’s borders and upholding the law. The 39-year-old suspect is now facing multiple charges related to contraventions of financial and customs laws.
The arrest was announced by BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato, who commended the diligent work of the BMA Border Guards in apprehending the suspect and preventing the illicit transfer of a large sum of undeclared cash across the border. According to Masiapato, the interception not only demonstrated the effectiveness of BMA’s routine security operations but also reinforced the authority’s dedication to combating financial crime and border violations.
Routine Search Uncovers R424,800 in Cash
The arrest occurred during a routine search operation conducted by BMA Border Guards stationed at the Oshoek border post, a key point of entry between South Africa and eSwatini. According to authorities, the 39-year-old South African male was attempting to cross the border illegally with a black plastic bag filled with cash.
“The suspect was attempting to cross the fence into eSwatini when he was stopped by our vigilant border guards. A routine search led to the discovery of a large sum of money, amounting to R424,800, hidden in a black plastic bag,” the BMA said in a statement released on social media platform X.
The authorities further stated that the suspect failed to declare the money, as required by law, and was immediately apprehended. Upon further inspection, it was determined that the suspect had contravened the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) No. 38 of 2001, Section 54, which mandates the reporting of large cash transactions. In addition to violating FICA, the suspect was also charged under the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964, Section 15, which governs the proper declaration of goods and currency when crossing international borders.
Bribery Attempt Thwarted
The BMA confirmed that the suspect attempted to bribe the border guards in a desperate attempt to evade arrest. However, the guards acted swiftly and with professionalism, ensuring that both the suspect and the cash were handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, for further investigation.
“The suspect attempted to bribe the BMA Border Guards, but they acted swiftly with diligence, ensuring that the suspect and the cash were handed over to the SAPS and the Hawks for further investigation,” the BMA stated.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 25 September 2024. The charges include the contravention of FICA and the Customs and Excise Act, both of which carry severe penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment and hefty fines.
Escalating Financial Crime at South African Borders
This latest interception highlights the ongoing issue of financial crime and smuggling attempts along South Africa’s borders. The Oshoek port of entry, located on the border with eSwatini, has become a hotspot for illegal activities, including cash smuggling, human trafficking, and vehicle theft. The BMA has made it clear that it is committed to strengthening its operations to combat these crimes.
Commissioner Masiapato reiterated the importance of maintaining secure and well-monitored borders in light of increasing attempts to smuggle large sums of money and goods out of the country. “This interception is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our border guards. We remain committed to ensuring that our borders are secure and that individuals attempting to break the law are brought to justice,” said Masiapato.
The Role of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA)
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act, or FICA, plays a crucial role in curbing money laundering and other financial crimes in South Africa. Under Section 54 of the Act, all individuals or entities engaging in large cash transactions must report them to the appropriate authorities. Failure to do so constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
In this case, the suspect’s failure to declare the cash before attempting to cross the border has placed him in violation of FICA. With R424,800 in his possession, the suspect is facing serious legal consequences, as undeclared funds of such magnitude often raise suspicions of illicit activities, such as money laundering, organised crime, or tax evasion.
The BMA has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing FICA and ensuring that all individuals crossing South Africa’s borders comply with the country’s financial reporting regulations. The interception of such a large amount of undeclared cash is viewed as a significant success in the ongoing fight against financial crime.
Previous Interceptions and Border Security Operations
This is not the first time that BMA Border Guards have successfully intercepted individuals attempting to cross the border illegally or smuggle goods. In a separate incident on Friday, 20 September 2024, the same BMA Border Guard team at Oshoek intercepted a Swati national who had violated his bail conditions for charges of being in possession of a stolen Toyota Fortuner.
The suspect, who was attempting to cross into South Africa illegally, had been previously arrested for vehicle theft but had contravened his bail conditions by fleeing the country. The BMA’s timely interception of this individual further highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement at South Africa’s borders and the importance of ongoing border security operations.
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