The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) is on high alert as the country prepares to hold general elections on Wednesday, the BMA announced Monday.

“With just two days before South Africa’s national and provincial elections, the Border Management Authority is on high alert at all ports of entry to monitor movements,” the BMA said in a statement.

The BMA reported the arrest of 28 Bangladesh nationals on Saturday evening at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The individuals had arrived from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, without proper documents.

In the statement, Commissioner of the BMA Michael Masiapato emphasised the importance of cooperation with embassies and foreign missions to verify visa legitimacy and encouraged enhancements in detection systems.

“This operation underscores the importance of our continuous efforts to secure our borders and ensure that all entrants comply with our legal requirements,” said the commissioner.

He noted that law enforcement has made significant deployments across the country for the elections, including escorting ballot papers and guarding national key points. 

(Xinhua/NAN)