Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato. Picture: Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato has provided clarity on how a cross-border bus, initially cleared at the port of entry of Limpopo’s Beitbridge border post, later ended up transporting additional 32 illegal immigrants. The vehicle, en route from Zimbabwe to Cape Town, was stopped in Bloemfontein on Friday, 3 April 2026, during an operation by the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport.
Authorities discovered that, in addition to 43 passengers who had been properly processed at Beitbridge, the bus was carrying 32 foreign nationals without valid documentation. It is alleged that the undocumented immigrants boarded the bus after it had already entered South Africa, with pickups reportedly taking place in Makhado and Johannesburg. Parliament has since called for Rimbi Travel and Tours, a licensed cross-border transport company linked to the bus, be suspended while a full investigation is conducted.
According to theBMA, the bus arrived at the north gate carrying 43 passengers in the early hours of 2 April, where all occupants disembarked with their luggage for standard checks. Passengers underwent health screening and baggage inspections for prohibited items, while the bus was searched for any undocumented individuals. All travellers presented valid documents, were cleared by immigration officials, and granted entry into South Africa. The driver’s passport and cross-border permit were also verified, while the vehicle was processed in line with regulations.
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