Record border surge: Soldier injured as SANDF intercepts over 1,000 migrants

A FESTIVE-season border patrol in Limpopo escalated into violence after South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers intercepted a record-breaking 1,174 undocumented migrants attempting to enter South Africa through illegal crossings on December 26.

According to SANDF spokesperson Moses Semono, the group — primarily from Zimbabwe and including women and children — was intercepted near the Groblersbridge Border Post outside Lephalale. The scale of the influx was unprecedented for the Christmas Eve and Day of Goodwill period.

“This marks the first time our members have had to manage such a massive influx during this period of the festive season,” Semono said.

The situation became volatile when some individuals allegedly turned aggressive. During the confrontation, Rifleman TM Mokoena sustained a stab wound to his forearm while defending himself against an attempted life-threatening assault.

“Compounding the situation was the uncharacteristic aggressiveness of the individuals involved,” Semono said, adding that the soldier’s training prevented the incident from turning fatal. Defence Intelligence Services have since taken over the matter for further processing.

Rifleman Mokoena received immediate medical treatment from SANDF medics, who were on standby during the operation. The defence force confirmed that all intercepted migrants were later handed over to South African Immigration Services in good health and without injury.

Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, praised the soldiers for their restraint and professionalism under pressure, and wished the injured soldier a speedy recovery.

The incident has once again highlighted the immense strain placed on border patrol units during peak festive periods, particularly in Limpopo, where illegal crossings tend to surge at year-end.

Earlier this month, the Border Management Authority (BMA) reported significant enforcement successes, including the interception and destruction of illicit goods such as birth-control pills, medical test kits and skin-lightening creams.

In a recent media briefing, BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato revealed that more than 8,000 people were arrested in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year for attempting to enter the country illegally, with most coming from Lesotho, followed by Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Masiapato said the briefing coincided with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to protecting women and other vulnerable groups while maintaining secure and orderly border management across South Africa’s ports of entry.