Authorities are investigating how dozens of undocumented migrants ended up on a bus that had earlier been cleared at the Beitbridge Border Post.
The bus, initially processed with 43 properly documented passengers, was later intercepted in Bloemfontein, where officials discovered an additional 32 undocumented individuals on board.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has launched an inquiry into the incident, which occurred during the busy Easter travel period.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said records and surveillance footage confirm that the bus complied with all procedures at the border and did not carry any undocumented passengers at the time.
“That bus went through the weighbridge and we have a full record of the process, including footage while it was waiting. It was cleared and compliant, with no additional passengers,” Masiapato said.
He added that authorities are unable to determine where the extra passengers boarded the vehicle.
The investigation comes as the BMA reports heightened activity over the Easter long weekend, with more than 80,000 travellers processed at the Beitbridge crossing.
By 4 April, over 400 people had been intercepted while attempting to enter South Africa illegally.
Authorities say efforts to monitor and secure the country’s borders remain ongoing.