Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) says the ongoing biometric profiling at Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE), is key to making sure only the right people are repatriated and that no fugitives escape under the guise of the process.
Giving an update from Beitbridge on Thursday, Acting BMA Commissioner, Major General David Chilembe, said the centre is now handling most repatriation work after the official closure of the Durban facility.
He said they will be introducing a new place in Musina to facilitate the repatriation of the Malawians and Zimbabweans.
“Biometric profiling at the point of exit is to ensure we do not mis-repatriate other nationals, including South Africans,” Maj Gen Chilembe said.
“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 person leaving through the border is screened using fingerprints and facial data.
This, he said, helps BMA confirm identities, check immigration status, and flag anyone wanted by law enforcement.
Maj Gen Chilembe said the BMA is working closely with National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), as well as officials from Malawi and Zimbabwe, because Beitbridge handles heavy transit traffic.
“We are coordinating with our counterparts to verify lists, share information, and ensure a smooth and orderly process,” he said.
“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 added that more buses are expected to arrive at the port in the coming days from different parts of South Africa.
Maj Gen Chilembe said manpower has been deployed strategically to avoid delays while maintaining security and efficiency.
Providing statistics, the Acting Commissioner said on Wednesday alone, the BMA processed 2 400 people leaving for Malawi (1700) and Zimbabwe (700) through Beitbridge.
“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.
The numbers, he said, show the scale of the operation and the need for strict controls.
Maj Gen Chilembe also confirmed that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration will be visiting various centres facilitating repatriation. The committee will monitor processes on the ground and receive updates directly from officials.
“The goal is to ensure the process is humane, lawful, and secure for all involved,” he said.
