A photograph circulating on X, depicting a Mercedes Benz ML crammed with Zimbabwean nationals attempting to cross illegally into South Africa, has ignited a firestorm of debate.
The image, shared by MDNNews, shows the passengers tightly packed within the vehicle, none possessing valid travel documents. South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted the group on Saturday night, subsequently processing and returning them to Zimbabwe.
The incident follows a wider operation at the Beitbridge port of entry, where BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato and his team arrested over 120 illegal immigrants attempting to enter South Africa on Saturday alone. This operation, involving drone surveillance, also intercepted numerous individuals attempting to cross the Limpopo River illegally.
Dr Masiapato highlighted the sheer volume of border crossings, stating that of the approximately 20,000 people crossing on 4 January, around 3,000 were heading into Zimbabwe, many on foot.
Dr Masiapato also confirmed earlier preparations for managing the influx of travellers returning to South Africa after the festive season, stating on Friday: “The BMA and the rest of the stakeholders here at the Beitbridge port of entry are ready to implement the return leg of our plan for the festive season.”
The viral image of the overcrowded Mercedes Benz, however, only scratches the surface of the complex issue of illegal immigration along the South Africa-Zimbabwe border. A closer look reveals a stark contrast between the highly visible enforcement efforts at the official border post and the surprisingly porous nature of the border itself elsewhere.
The Limpopo River, often dry during certain seasons, provides a natural, albeit illegal, pathway for migrants. A knee-high barbed wire fence, described generously as a “fence,” is easily breached, offering little impediment to those seeking a better life in South Africa.
Donkey carts laden with goods navigate the dried riverbed, alongside individuals carefully making their way across, often with children on their backs. The scene, described by one anonymous illegal crosser, is surprisingly tranquil, a stark contrast to the anti-immigrant sentiment prevalent in South African urban centres.
This individual, a 55-year-old man who crosses regularly, recalled the “snake of fire,” a 3,500-volt electric fence erected during the Apartheid era, which electrocuted hundreds fleeing conflict.
He contrasted this with the current situation: “You can’t stop someone who is suffering. They have to find any means to come find food,” he explained. “Now, it’s easy,” he added, acknowledging occasional encounters with soldiers who send them back, only for them to try again the next day.
Our observations confirmed a lack of visible border control in certain areas, despite the presence of soldiers who seemed largely unaware of the constant flow of people and goods.
The official border post at Beitbridge paints a different picture. The “fence,” in many places trampled or riddled with holes, stands in stark contrast to the concrete fortress of the official crossing. Here, the movement of people is strictly controlled, creating queues and a sense of urgency.
The situation is further complicated by the economic realities faced by many Zimbabweans. Precious, a mother of three living in a Musina women’s shelter, tearfully explained her desperation: “My husband is disabled and can’t work or do anything. I’m the only one doing everything – school, food, everything. I’m the one who has to take care of the kids and that situation makes me come here to find something.”
She revealed that she only had $30 (R560), insufficient even for a passport, which costs $50 (R929). The shelter itself houses not only women like Precious but also trafficked children and men seeking work, highlighting the desperate circumstances driving many to cross the border illegally.
The contrast between the lax border control along the Limpopo River and the heavy-handed approach to immigration enforcement in urban centres like Johannesburg is striking. Nomzamo Zondo, human rights attorney and executive director of the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI), questioned the government’s commitment to addressing immigration:
“I wonder how serious our government is about dealing with immigration… I think part of it is that the South Africa we want to build is one that wants to welcome its neighbours and doesn’t forget the people that welcomed us when we didn’t have a home – and that is why I think they are so poor at maintaining the borders.”
She stressed the need for regularisation and integration of those already in the country.
His words reflect the deep-seated anxieties and frustrations fueling the current anti-immigrant sentiment.
