The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that more than 1,000 Zimbabwean nationals were intercepted while attempting to enter South Africa illegally shortly after Christmas, underscoring growing pressure at the country’s northern borders during the festive season.
The incident occurred on 26 December 2025 near the Groblersbridge Border Post, outside Lephalale in Limpopo.
SANDF spokesperson Captain Moses Semono said soldiers stopped the group while conducting routine border safeguarding operations.
Unprecedented festive-season influx
According to the SANDF, a total of 1,174 undocumented Zimbabweans were arrested while trying to cross into South Africa through illegal entry points.
“On 26 December 2025, soldiers intercepted and arrested 1,174 undocumented persons from Zimbabwe attempting to enter South Africa through illegal border crossings,” Semono said.
He noted that the scale of the attempted entry was unprecedented for this time of year.
“This marks the first time our members have had to manage such a massive influx during this period of the festive season,” he added.
Soldier injured during confrontation
The operation was not without incident. Semono said tensions escalated during the interception, resulting in the injury of one SANDF member.
“Compounding the situation was the uncharacteristic aggressiveness of the individuals involved,” he said.
Rifleman T.M. Mokoena sustained a stab wound to his forearm while defending himself against what was described as a life-threatening assault by one of the undocumented individuals.
Despite the injury, the SANDF said the soldier acted with restraint.
“Due to the high standard of training provided by the Defence Force, Rifleman Mokoena was able to thwart the danger and neutralise the threat without resorting to deadly force,” Semono said.
Mokoena received medical treatment at the scene and is reported to be recovering.
Handed over to immigration authorities
Following the operation, all intercepted individuals were handed over to South African Immigration Services for further processing.
“The undocumented persons were handed over to the South African Immigration Services in good health and without injury,” Semono confirmed.
Praise for restraint and professionalism
Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, commended the soldiers involved for their professionalism and restraint under pressure.
He also wished Rifleman Mokoena a speedy recovery.
Border pressure remains a concern
The incident highlights the continued strain on South Africa’s borders, particularly during peak travel periods such as the festive season. Authorities have repeatedly warned that economic hardship in neighbouring countries often leads to increased attempts at illegal border crossings, placing added pressure on security forces tasked with safeguarding national borders.
