Travellers warned: Don't dare take a chance!

THE Border Management Authority (BMA) said it is well aware that some unlawful activities now take place at the country's smaller ports.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato told the media that plans are in place to handle any incidents of lawlessness in the smaller ports of entry during the Easter holiday period.

He said travellers and border authorities who assist in the unlawful movement of people and products continue to threaten border environment safety.

Masiapato has since issued a warning to travellers and other officials not to be engaged in any unlawful activities as they would be discovered, and perpetrators severely punished.

This warning comes as the Border Guards are arresting undocumented individuals in various vulnerable parts of the border law enforcement area.

"Any official found to be involved in corrupt activities, including facilitating the illicit movement of people and products into and out of the republic, shall face severe consequences. We must enforce border law as the border management authority, and are prepared to apprehend violators, both now and in the future," he said.

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Masiapato indicated that they have reinforced their out-of-deployment strategy to increase the detection rate of illegal drugs, such as smuggled cigarettes and are prepared to arrest anyone found violating border laws.

"In order to increase the detection rate of illegal products, drugs, livestock, cigarettes, contraband and stolen cars, we've also strengthened our deployment during the Easter period," he said.

During Easter holidays, 400 more junior border guards will be stationed at some of the busiest ports of entry to help with service delivery and law enforcement support.

Masiapato said to provide extra support at the ports of entry, a majority of the extra guards would be stationed at the following bridges: Beit, Lebombo, Fiksburg, Maseru, Telle, Kosi Bay and Grobler's bridges.