Report: South Africa’s borders an open goal for illegal immigrants

South Africa’s borders with neighbouring countries are in a sordid state, hampering the fight against illegal immigration and cross-country criminal activities.

This was revealed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) during a tour of South Africa’s border crossings. In an official reconnaissance report, penned by the DA’s spokesperson on immigration, Jacques Julius, revelations regarding ineffective border control explain the influx of illegal immigrants and prevalence of cross-country criminal syndicates.

The Democratic Alliance’s border tour

Julius reports that he, along with his support team, embarked on a tour of South Africa’s borders to better ascertain the problems facing access points into the country. The team focused on three major border control points:

• Beit Bridge border – Limpopo/Zimbabwe
• Manguzi Border – KwaZulu-Natal/Mozambique
• Skilpadshek Border – North West/Botswana

During their inspections at the above border points, the team engaged with South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel tasked with patrolling and monitoring the areas. The general consensus is that while the soldiers are doing the best they can, with what little resources they have, a dire lack of infrastructure support has left South Africa wide open to bordering nations.

At the Beit Bridge border near Musina in Limpopo, the team discovered that a large area of the border fence had been cut through – a literal open goal for those hoping to cross illegally. From a viewpoint near an unmanned gate, the team could identify people studying the best time and place to crossover from Zimbabwe. These numerous vantage points expose the SANDF’s patrol movements.

At the Manguzi border, SANDF officials bemoaned the lack of proper infrastructure, claiming that fencing was in dire need of repair. The border guards also said that watchtowers, infrared equipment and drones would aid the fight against illegal immigrants and criminal syndicates.

Near the Manguzi boarder, communities told the team how they had been terrorized by Mozambican carjacking syndicates. It’s alleged that law enforcement officials are in cahoots with the criminals.

Democratic Alliance promises to secure borders

The DA’s investigative team also learnt that foreigners were crossing the border to collect social grants in South Africa, before returning to their homes in neighbouring countries. The DA note that this exploitation of benefits intended for South African citizens only was a cause for serious concern.

At the Skilpadshek Border, the team was told of areas along the intended patrol route that could no longer be accessed by SANDF personnel. The fence which guards this border crossing is a lowly agricultural hurdle – easily bypassed and not much of a deterrent.

As a result of their border tour, the DA resolves to tighten up defences around South Africa’s access points. The DA state that, if it came to power, it would implement a four-step plan to immediately tackle issues of illegal immigration and cross-country criminal syndicates:

• Arresting, detaining and deporting those who repeatedly enter our country illegally
• Ensuring undocumented immigrants are regularised or assisted in leaving the country if they do not meet the criteria for remaining in the country.
• Strengthening our border posts. Through proper control and order, we can create corruption-free and effective border security and control.
• Eradicating the corruption and inefficiency endemic to Home Affairs.