South Africa Repatriates 168 Mozambican Nationals Through Lebombo Border

A total of 168 Mozambican nationals and one South African citizen were processed during the operation, which was carried out under established immigration and border management procedures.

South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully processed and repatriated 168 Mozambican nationals through the Lebombo Port of Entry, following a coordinated operation involving several government agencies and the Mozambican Embassy.

The group was transported from Mossel Bay to the border by the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique using three buses. According to BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, the buses arrived at the Lebombo Port of Entry at around 8:30 pm on Sunday, and the entire operation was completed by midnight. A total of 168 Mozambican nationals and one South African citizen were processed during the operation, which was carried out under established immigration and border management procedures.

Majority Found to Be Undocumented Migrants

Of the Mozambican nationals processed, 141 individuals, including 97 men and 44 women, were found to be undocumented. They were deported in accordance with the provisions of South Africa's Immigration Act. Another eight Mozambican nationals possessed valid travel documents and were processed for lawful departure from the country. The group also included 19 minors who required additional safeguards during the repatriation process.

To protect the welfare of the children involved, officials worked closely with the Department of Social Development. All minors underwent the required procedures to ensure their rights and best interests were protected throughout the operation. One South African citizen who arrived with the group was denied departure after indicating an intention to travel to Mozambique without following the required travel arrangements and procedures.

Security Checks Confirm No Serious Criminal Links

As part of the repatriation process, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted biometric fingerprint verification using mobile scanning technology. The checks were carried out to determine whether any of the individuals had links to criminal activities or were wanted for outstanding offences within South Africa. The verification process revealed no serious criminal records among the group. The only matches identified were previous immigration-related offences linked to unlawful presence in the country.

Dr Masiapato praised the cooperation between the various organisations involved in the operation, including the Mozambican Embassy, SAPS, the Department of Social Development and BMA officials stationed at the Lebombo Port of Entry. He said the successful completion of the operation demonstrated the value of coordinated efforts between neighbouring countries and government institutions in managing migration in a lawful, humane and orderly manner.

The Commissioner reiterated that the BMA remains committed to ensuring that all movements through South Africa's ports of entry comply with legal requirements while respecting the dignity and rights of those involved. The authority continues to work with domestic and international partners to strengthen migration management, improve border security and facilitate legitimate cross-border movement of people and goods.