Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) says the ongoing biometric profiling at Beitbridge Port of Entry is critical in ensuring that only the correct individuals are repatriated and that fugitives do not escape under the guise of the process.
Providing an update from Beitbridge on Thursday, Acting BMA Commissioner, Major General David Chilembe, said the border post is now handling the bulk of repatriation activities following the closure of the Durban facility.
He said authorities would soon introduce a new centre in Musina to facilitate the repatriation of Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals.
“Biometric profiling at the point of exit is to ensure we do not mis-repatriate other nationals, including South Africans,” said Maj Gen Chilembe.
“It is also being used to ensure that crime fugitives of all nationalities do not escape under the guise of repatriations.”
He explained that every individual leaving through the border is screened using fingerprints and facial recognition technology.
According to Maj Gen Chilembe, the system helps the BMA confirm identities, verify immigration status and flag individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies.
He said the BMA is working closely with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), as well as officials from Malawi and Zimbabwe, given the heavy transit traffic handled through Beitbridge.
“We are coordinating with our counterparts to verify lists, share information, and ensure a smooth and orderly process. You may also note that we are dealing with three processes that include deportation, repatriations and the normal movement facilitation. So far, we have been able to carry out all these processes successfully,” he said.
Maj Gen Chilembe added that more buses are expected to arrive at the border post in the coming days from various parts of South Africa.
He said manpower had been strategically deployed to avoid delays while maintaining security and operational efficiency.
Providing statistics, the Acting Commissioner said the BMA processed 2 400 people through Beitbridge on Wednesday alone, comprising 1 700 bound for Malawi and 700 destined for Zimbabwe.
“In addition, since we started here on the 7th of June when the President (Ramaphosa) announced the measures that we have to put in place with regards to the migration issues, we have dealt with more than 35 000 people in terms of repatriations and deportations at this border (Beitbridge),” said Maj Gen Chilembe.
He said the figures reflected the scale of the operation and underscored the need for strict controls.
Maj Gen Chilembe also confirmed that South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration will visit centres facilitating repatriations to monitor operations and receive updates directly from officials on the ground.
“The goal is to ensure the process is humane, lawful, and secure for all involved,” he said.
