No way Through
Border officials in South Africa have stepped up their game during the busy festive season, catching a smuggler with counterfeit Nike sneakers and stopping dozens of people from entering the country illegally. The Border Management Authority (BMA) made these moves at the Lebombo Port of Entry, a key crossing point between South Africa and Mozambique. This comes as thousands of travellers move across borders for holidays, highlighting the ongoing fight against smuggling and unlawful entry.
The arrests and interceptions show how alert authorities are staying amid high traffic. On Christmas Day alone, more than 18,450 people were processed as they left South Africa heading to Mozambique. But not everyone got through easily. Officials turned away 88 individuals deemed undesirable, mostly because they had overstayed their allowed time in the country before. Then, on Boxing Day, a Mozambican man was nabbed trying to bring in over 80 fake Nike sneakers, adding to a string of busts that underline the risks of counterfeit trade.
Christmas Day Clampdown: Turning Away Undesirables
Christmas Day brought no holiday break for border guards at Lebombo. As families gathered and celebrations kicked off, the BMA handled a rush of exits towards Mozambique. Out of the thousands processed, about 450 – mainly women and children – had their details entered manually due to the high volume and to ensure accuracy. This manual step helps keep records straight in the enhanced movement control system, which tracks who comes and goes.
The big focus that day was on entry attempts. Officials declared 88 foreigners undesirable and blocked them from coming in. These people were flagged mostly for overstaying their 90-day visa limit on previous visits. Under South African immigration rules, anyone who breaks stay limits can be barred for up to five years, depending on how long they overstayed. This rule aims to prevent repeat offenders and maintain order at borders.
Being labelled undesirable is not just a slap on the wrist. It means these individuals must leave immediately and cannot return until their ban lifts. Many come from neighbouring countries, drawn by work or family ties, but without proper papers, they face tough consequences. This action fits into a larger push during the 2024/2025 festive period, where over 58,000 foreigners have already been arrested nationwide for trying to enter without legal documents. The numbers show how borders become hotspots for irregular migration when travel peaks.
Boxing Day Bust: Counterfeit Sneakers and Migration Aid Arrest
The very next day, on 26 December 2025, things heated up again at Lebombo. Early in the morning, BMA officers spotted a Mozambican national acting suspiciously. A search revealed more than 80 pairs of counterfeit Nike sneakers hidden in his belongings. He was trying to slip them across from the Mozambican side into South Africa, likely aiming to sell them on the black market.
Counterfeit goods like these fake sneakers hurt the economy in big ways. They undercut real brands, leading to job losses in legitimate factories and shops. Buyers often end up with poor-quality items that fall apart quickly, and the trade funds other crimes. In this case, the sneakers were seized, and the man now faces charges under customs and immigration laws. Officials process such cases quickly, often leading to fines or jail time.
But that was not the only catch on Boxing Day. Another man was arrested for helping with illegal migration. He is accused of aiding and abetting, which breaks the Immigration Act. This could mean he was guiding people across without papers or providing fake documents. Such facilitators make it harder for authorities to control borders, and arrests like this send a strong message. All involved are being handled according to the rules, with possible deportation or court appearances ahead.
Smooth Operations Amid High Traffic: Trucks and Travellers
Despite the interceptions, the BMA kept things moving. On Christmas Day, 805 trucks were cleared at the KM7 point, carrying goods from South Africa into Mozambique and towards the Maputo port. This cargo flow is vital for trade, especially during festive times when shops need stock. The N4 road leading to Lebombo was reported clear, with no major backups for trucks.
The authority’s commissioner, Michael Masiapato, shared that teams are working around the clock. “BMA colleagues are inserting those manually processed individuals into the enhanced movement control system,” he explained, showing the behind-the-scenes effort to handle the rush. With traveller numbers spiking – sometimes over 25,000 a day at Lebombo – these updates highlight how systems are adapting to keep delays low.
Festive Season Security: A Broader Crackdown on Crime
This latest incident is part of a bigger festive season plan rolled out by the BMA from 6 December 2025. The authority promised tighter controls, and they have delivered. In the weeks leading up, they seized 46 fake passports at Kosi Bay and arrested suspects there. Earlier in December, a tip-off led soldiers to uncover contraband worth over R8 million at Lebombo, including smuggled items hidden in vehicles.
The festive period always sees a jump in attempts to cross borders illegally or bring in banned goods. Staff shortages have strained operations, with the BMA running at about 25% capacity in some spots, causing long queues for holidaymakers. Yet, vigilance pays off. Over 8,000 illegal entry tries were stopped early in the season, mostly from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Counterfeit smuggling is a hot issue too. Just in October 2025, authorities raided a freight spot and grabbed R59 million worth of fake Nike, Versace, and Gucci items. Another case saw a Mozambican fined R150,000 for trying to bring in over R12 million in counterfeit goods at Lebombo. These busts show patterns: smugglers use trucks, hide items in luggage, or cross rugged areas. The BMA works with police and military to patrol mountains and rivers, where some try to sneak through away from official posts.
The Bigger Picture: Why Border Controls Matter
Strong border security protects South Africa’s economy and safety. Smuggled counterfeits flood markets, costing billions in lost taxes and harming local makers. For example, fake sneakers might look like the real deal but use cheap materials, tricking buyers and damaging brand trust. Illegal migration, meanwhile, strains resources like jobs and services, though many migrants contribute positively when they follow rules.
The BMA’s festive plan includes oversight visits, like the commissioner’s time at Lebombo from 21 to 25 December. They have suspended operations at risky spots, like Sendelingsdrift due to high water levels, to keep everyone safe. With more travellers expected back after holidays, the authority is gearing up for even busier days.
In the end, these interceptions remind us of the hard work behind smooth borders. The BMA stays deployed and watchful, balancing quick processing for legal travellers with firm action against lawbreakers. As the festive season rolls on, their efforts help ensure a safer South Africa for all.
🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 122: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Vows ‘I Can’t Go to Jail and Leave My Kids’ Amid Blue Lights Saga Scrutiny 🔴
Download here⬇️⬇️⬇️
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube