The Border Management Authority (BMA) has dismissed about 50 officials accused of corruption linked to illegal migration at South Africa’s ports of entry.

BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the officials were removed after investigations uncovered their alleged involvement in syndicates helping people enter the country unlawfully. Some were also accused of illegally extending the stay of foreign nationals after their 90-day visa-free period had expired.

Masiapato said certain officials were accepting payment to add extra days that should not have been granted.

He also revealed that some of the dismissed officials were linked to organised passport fraud. In these schemes, passports belonging to foreign nationals already inside South Africa were allegedly collected and taken to border posts, where corrupt officials would stamp them to make it appear as though the holders had legally exited and re-entered the country.

According to Masiapato, this formed part of the misconduct uncovered during the investigations.

He identified Maseru Bridge, on the border between South Africa and Lesotho, as the most affected hotspot. Beitbridge, on the Zimbabwe border, and Lebombo, on the Mozambique border, were also highlighted as key pressure points.

Masiapato said illegal migration from Lesotho had previously increased due to delays in passport issuance there, but cooperation with authorities in that country had helped to improve the situation.

The BMA said it is using drones, surveillance systems and body cameras to detect corruption and monitor illegal activity. Immigration stamps introduced in August 2025 now carry unique identification numbers linked to individual officers, making it easier to trace unlawful stamping.

Authorities have also set up whistleblowing platforms and an anti-corruption forum involving the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit and state security agencies.

While the BMA says its crackdown has reduced the movement of undocumented migrants further inland, Masiapato admitted that illegal entry and smuggling remain a serious challenge. He said more officials are still facing disciplinary action and could also be dismissed.