BMA uses drones to curb crime at borders

BMA official hands over a passport to the owner after checking it at a port of entry.

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The Border Management Authority (BMA) says drones and other advanced technologies are being used to curb crimes at the borders, including Lebombo and Beitbridge. The BMA will be temporarily making use of drones to monitor vulnerable areas during the festive season.

Guards have also been fitted with body cameras as they patrol the border with soldiers.

Deputy assistant commissioner, Rudzani Mphilo, says the new technology will assist in fighting corruption and managing traffic.

“The drones will assist us to monitor the smuggling activities along the border line and that will be supported by the reaction force from our well trained border guards, border guards supported by the SANDF and the SAPS. They will be able to respond to smugglers right there after getting the information from the drone. The drones will also assist us manage the corridor of the traffic between Musina and the port of entry. We are also going to benefit from the drone from taking the view of operations at the port of entry so that we can redirect the resources to where they are adequately required.”

VIDEO | BMA outlines port of entry operations.