The Border Management Authority (BMA), working alongside border law-enforcement agencies, has intercepted two groups of foreign nationals at OR Tambo International Airport as part of intensified festive-season operations to combat human trafficking, irregular migration and transnational organised crime.

According to BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi, the interceptions took place on Thursday and form part of a heightened intelligence-led approach during the peak travel period, when criminal syndicates often attempt to exploit increased passenger volumes.

In the first incident, 14 Ethiopian nationals — five men and nine women — were intercepted shortly after disembarking from an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Mogotsi said the group was flagged following an analysis of passenger information that identified suspicious travel patterns.

Preliminary investigations revealed a common trafficking modus operandi in which individuals transit through South Africa en route to neighbouring countries, before attempting to re-enter the country at a later stage. Authorities believe this method is frequently used by organised trafficking networks operating across borders.

In a separate incident, BMA officials intercepted 16 Bangladeshi men who were found to be in possession of fraudulent visas. The group arrived on another Ethiopian Airlines flight and initially attempted to blend in with South African travellers in the airport’s maze area.

Officers became suspicious during routine profiling and separated the group from the queue for further checks. They were then referred to the BMA Border Law Enforcement Office for secondary investigation, where their travel documents were confirmed to be fraudulent.

Mogotsi said the individuals’ stated travel intentions were inconsistent with legitimate entry into South Africa, raising serious concerns about potential involvement in human trafficking activities.

Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana praised the officers involved for their vigilance, technical expertise and swift response. She said the successful interceptions demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven border management and the importance of inter-agency cooperation.

The BMA has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s borders, particularly during high-risk periods, and warned that traffickers and smugglers will continue to face decisive action from law-enforcement authorities.