South Africa: Government Sends 68,000 Illegal Migrants Home

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Scrolla report from Johannesburg dated 27 July 2026, reported that South Africa has processed more than 68,000 foreign nationals for repatriation since June as authorities intensify operations against undocumented migration and cross-border crime. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said most of those processed went through the Temporary Repatriation Centre in Musina, Limpopo, before being returned to their countries of origin.

According to the report, the operations involve the South African Police Service, the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs and the Hawks. Authorities said the joint enforcement work has resulted in arrests connected to illegal border crossings, human trafficking, fraudulent identity documents and worker exploitation. Officials also warned the public not to obstruct law enforcement efforts targeting migration-related offences and criminal syndicates.

The government is also planning a dedicated migration court at OR Tambo International Airport to handle immigration cases more quickly. Kubayi said officials have inspected the site and identified room for as many as three courtrooms. The proposed court is expected to focus mainly on immigration matters and could ease pressure on the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.

The announcement comes amid freight truck congestion at the Beitbridge border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Border Management Authority said South African-side services, including immigration, customs and health checks, were operating normally, while Zimbabwean authorities attributed delays to limited parking caused by abnormal-load trucks and slower cargo clearance by agents. The issue matters because South Africa’s busy borders are central to regional trade and migration, while officials say criminal groups exploit irregular crossings to move people and illicit goods.