S. Africa beefs up security

SOUTH AFRICA has beefed up security at all ports of entry, including Beitbridge to reduce cases of illegal migration and smuggling, which are rife during major holidays, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Home Affairs Minister Mr Malusi Gigaba told journalists during a Press conference in Pretoria yesterday that more security and immigration officers had been deployed to the hot spots.

He said the measures were part of a plan to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic through their borders during the Easter Holidays.

“During peak periods such as Easter and the end of the year, a high volume of people move through our ports and this movement presents a number of security risks and dynamics,” said Mr Gigaba.

“It is demonstrated by the following security dynamics and risks: fraudulent or illegal stamping of travel documents by corrupt border officials and the exploitation and manipulation of border systems and business processes.

“In addition, the facilitation of illegal entry of persons and goods perpetuates other security-related risks such as cross-border organised crime, illegal migration and social instability.

“In this regard, the border environment remains vulnerable in terms of civilians and officials who facilitate the illegal and unauthorised movement of persons and goods.”