Beit Bridge – The South African National Defence Force intercepted more than a thousand Zimbabwean nationals who were attempting to cross illegally back into Zimbabwe during the festive period, as regional border movements intensified across southern Africa.
The operation took place at several known border hotspots in South Africa, including routes used as alternatives to the busy Beitbridge border post. SANDF spokesperson Major Carl Lewis said the interceptions followed strategic deployments made in anticipation of increased festive season crossings.
According to Lewis, the group avoided Beitbridge after expecting a strong security presence there and instead attempted to use other entry points. SANDF units had already positioned personnel and resources along those routes, allowing soldiers to intercept all the undocumented migrants before they crossed.
The intercepted Zimbabwean nationals were handed over to the relevant South African authorities for processing. Lewis said none of the migrants were injured during the operation and all were reported to be in good health at the time of handover.
One SANDF member sustained a minor injury to the forearm during the operation after being hurt by an undocumented migrant who attempted to resist detention. The injured soldier received treatment and has since returned to duty along the border.
The SANDF said its members remain deployed across several regions to support border security and law and order.
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