There is a high concentration of armed customs officials at the Lebombo border post, who are on the lookout for desperate foreign nationals trying, by any means, to enter South Africa illegally.
Watch: Foreigners caught entering SA illegally at Lebombo border
As reported by eNCA, as many as 100 foreign nationals have been arrested since Wednesday. Some were caught as they traversed past the hills that separate South Africa from Mozambique.
Others were allowed to cross into South Africa without a stamp in their passports, only to be nabbed a few kilometres into the country.
What happens to foreigners caught entering SA illegally?
On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that in light of the increase in Covid-19 infections, 20 land borders would be closed off to the public.
Ramaphosa explained that the huge congestion witnessed at our border posts this past festive season was a cause for great concern.
“This has exposed many people to infection as they wait to be processed and it has been difficult to ensure that the health requirements for entry into South Africa are met, with many people arriving without proof of COVID-19 tests,” he said.
Moreover, the president indicated that this closure was a necessary measure to “reduce congestion and the high risk of transmission.”
Thus, according to the adjusted Alert Level 3 regulations, South Africa’s 20 land borders, including six of the busiest posts (Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg and Kopfontein) will be closed until 15 February 2021.
People, however, will still be allowed to enter or depart South Africa for the following reasons:
- the transportation of fuel, cargo and goods,
- emergency medical attention for a life-threatening condition,
- the return of South African nationals, permanent residents or persons with other valid visas,
- diplomats,
- the departure of foreign nationals; and
- daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend school in South Africa.