SA soldiers notch up millions worth of confiscations and recoveries in August border protection ops
South African Army companies conducting border protection operations in August confiscated and recovered goods worth over R23 million, including R13 million in unspecified contraband. They also intercepted 470 illegal immigrants and detained 40 suspected criminals, handing them over to police and immigration officials.
Why it matters
This report highlights the ongoing challenges of border security, illegal immigration, and smuggling in South Africa, demonstrating the military's role in national security and law enforcement support.
The 15 SA Army companies patrolling South Africa’s land borders racked up confiscations and recoveries worth more than R23 million in August.
In the same timeframe men and women from mostly Infantry Formation units – regular and reserves, in the form of the General Botha Regiment – along with Potchefstroom-based 4 Artillery Regiment – intercepted 470 illegal immigrants attempting to enter South Africa from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. All were handed to police and Department of Home Affairs (DHA) immigration officials as SA National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel, with the exception of military police, do not have arrest powers. Similarly, the 40 suspected criminals detained by soldiers along South Africa’s land borders with Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe in August found themselves in police custody.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in