Home Affairs Minister hails drone technology in fighting illegal immigration
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has praised the use of drone technology in monitoring and preventing illegal immigration into South Africa. The initiative, spearheaded by the Border Management Authority (BMA), resulted in the interception of over 2,000 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the border during the festive season.
Schreiber described the drone surveillance program as a major success and called for its permanent implementation in securing South Africa’s borders.
Drone Technology Strengthens Border Control
The BMA’s drone technology was made available by the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development. These drones were strategically deployed at five key ports of entry, namely:
- Beitbridge (bordering Zimbabwe)
- Maseru Bridge (bordering Lesotho)
- Lebombo (bordering Mozambique)
- Kopfontein (bordering Botswana)
- Oshoek (bordering Eswatini)
The drones provided real-time aerial surveillance, identifying border breaches and guiding authorities toward swift intervention.
Schreiber noted that 42 pilots were assigned to operate the drones, enabling authorities to monitor illegal crossings with greater accuracy. The drones helped identify more than 2,000 breaches along the border barriers, preventing undocumented individuals from entering the country.
Schreiber Calls for Permanent Use of Drone Surveillance
Addressing the media on the BMA’s festive season operations, Schreiber emphasized the effectiveness of drones in detecting and preventing illegal crossings.
“This led to enhanced real-time monitoring of border movement, especially in high-risk areas. It allowed real-time responses to attempted illegal crossings and smuggling activities,” he explained.
The minister further revealed that, due to the pilot drone program, authorities detected 2,188 individuals attempting to illegally enter South Africa.
“That is 2,188 people who would be walking amongst us right now illegally were it not for the use of this technology,” he stated.
Given the success of the initiative, Schreiber advocated for the long-term deployment of drones in border security. He stressed that using modern technology would significantly boost border patrol efforts, helping law enforcement curb illegal immigration and smuggling activities.
Technology’s Role in Enhancing Border Security
The use of drones is part of a broader strategy to modernize border security and reduce the strain on human patrol officers. In recent years, South Africa’s borders have been vulnerable to illegal crossings, contributing to challenges such as:
- Increased undocumented migration
- Cross-border crime (e.g., smuggling of goods and contraband)
- Difficulties in enforcing immigration laws
By utilizing high-tech surveillance, the government aims to close security gaps and improve efficiency in dealing with illegal crossings.
The BMA’s success during the festive season has reinforced the importance of technology-driven security solutions. With drones providing high-resolution aerial footage, authorities can respond to security threats faster and more effectively.
Public and Political Response
The public response to the initiative has been largely positive, with many citizens welcoming the effort to protect national borders. However, some critics argue that addressing illegal immigration requires broader reforms, including:
- Strengthening border infrastructure
- Increasing manpower at key entry points
- Addressing socio-economic factors that drive migration
Nevertheless, the success of the pilot program has set a precedent for the future of border security in South Africa. Schreiber remains committed to pushing for drone technology to become a permanent fixture in the country’s border management strategy.
As South Africa continues to face border security challenges, the integration of modern technology will play a key role in enhancing law enforcement capabilities and ensuring safer, more secure borders.
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