Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Friday dismissed reports that there is a crisis at the Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Motsoaledi, who has been conducting an oversight visit at the border since Sunday, has, however, raised concerns over illegal border crossings.
The minister said more than 700 people were arrested for entering the country illegally into South Africa this week, and he called on members of the public to stop circulating false information that caused unnecessary alarm and panic.
“I have seen those pictures (on social media). I was disappointed and shocked at the same time because I arrived at Beitbridge on the morning of the second – immediately after New Year – and did not see a crisis,” Motsoaledi said.
He added: “But we recognised one of the pictures as a picture that was taken last year on the 4th of January. And they are depicting the situation that happened a year ago as it is happening now.”
He, however, said there was a need to work with counterparts from Zimbabwe to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the country at the border who brought fake Covid-19 certificates.
“We are arresting people with no documents: no Covid-19 certificates or passports. Even yesterday, they arrested 500 people. That’s happening every day. And we are returning them,” the minister said.
NM/jn/APA