SA to build one-stop border post and second bridge with Zim; soldier stabbed as 1,000 illegals arrested

By Agencies

South Africa’s (SA) Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced plans to construct a one-stop post at its shared border crossing with Zimbabwe.

The plans which include a new bridge over the Limpoporiver for cargo trucks is aimed at streamlining cross-border movement and reducing congestion at one of the busiest ports of entry.

BMA Commissioner Dr Mike Masiapato confirmed that the new system will allow travellers and cargo trucks to be processed at a single point, rather than undergoing separate checks on either side of the border.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency and enhance trade between the two countries.

In addition to the one-stop facility, Masiapato revealed that work is underway to build a new bridge on the western side of the Limpopo River, dedicated specifically to cargo trucks.

This development is expected to ease pressure on existing infrastructure and facilitate smoother logistics for freight operators.

“The implementation of the one-stop border post is one of the key strategic interventions and decisions of the government of SA,” Masiapato said.

“Negotiations are currently underway with successful bidders as part of a public-private partnership.

“On that basis, we can indicate that during the current year, 2026, we are going to start seeing that particular work gaining traction, to the extent that there will be construction sometime this year, around the last quarter.”

Meanwhile, more than a thousand undocumented Zimbabwean nationals attempted to gain entry into South Africa illegally, a day after Christmas.

This was revealed by the South African National Defence Force ( SANDF) earlier this week.

The interception of Zimbabwean nationals occurred at the Groblersbridge Border Post, outside Lephalale in Limpopo.

“On 26 December 2025​, soldiers intercepted and arrested 1,174 undocumented persons from Zimbabwe attempting to enter South Africa through illegal border crossings,” SANDF spokesperson Captain Moses Semono said.

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

An SANDF member was wounded by an aggressive undocumented foreign national, but the aggressor was subdued.

​“Compounding the situation was the uncharacteristic aggressiveness of the individuals involved. Rifleman T.M. Mokoena sustained a stab wound to his forearm while defending himself against an undocumented person who attempted a life-threatening assault.”

Semono said Mokoena received treatment at the scene.

“The undocumented persons were handed over to the South African Immigration Services in good health and without injury.

Commenting on the development, the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation said many of the Zimbabweans who enter the country illegally are economic refugees looking to make a living.

Founder and First Chairperson of the Federation, Luke Dzviti placed the blame on the Harare government.

“The Zimbabwean government, which is a ZANU PF-led government, is currently not doing enough to stop all this because firstly, the passport price has been so high in Zimbabwe. This is why you see many people coming illegally,” he said.

“The passport price in Zimbabwe was $260, compared to $30 which South Africans pay. So, it’s ten times the price of a passport in SA and compared to other prices in all other SADC countries but lately, the government reduced the price by about 33%, but still, it’s not affordable.”