Drones combat illegal migration in SA

DRONES are assisting the Border Management Authority (BMA) in tackling illegal migration and the identification of facilitators leading illegal immigrants into South Africa.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato emphasised the importance of deploying drones which have assisted them in enhancing the effectiveness of their operations.

Speaking at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Monday, during the return leg of the Easter period, Masiapato said conducting their operations without drones is expensive and ineffective, primarily because they would just be patrolling.

"Now with the introduction of the drones, the most powerful part of it is we are able to monitor across the vulnerable segments. We are able to monitor in the port, but also on the corridor," explained Masiapato.