A festive-season border patrol in Limpopo took a violent turn on 26 December 2025, forcing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to respond to an unusually large and tense influx of undocumented migrants.
The SANDF says its members intercepted and arrested 1,174 undocumented persons from Zimbabwe who were attempting to enter South Africa through illegal border crossings in the province, a scale never before seen during the Christmas Eve and Day of Goodwill period
“This marks the first time our members have had to manage such a massive influx during this period of the festive season,” said SANDF spokesperson Captain Moses Semono.
The situation escalated when some of the intercepted individuals allegedly became aggressive. “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.
According to the defence force, the soldier’s training prevented the incident from turning fatal. “However, 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. Defence Intelligence Services have taken over the matter for further processing.”
Festive Border Patrol Turns Violent: SANDF Arrests 1,174 Undocumented Migrants in Limpopo
Rifleman Mokoena received immediate medical attention from SANDF medics, who remain on standby during deployments. The defence force confirmed that all undocumented persons were later handed over to South African Immigration Services in good health and without injury.
Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, praised the soldiers for their restraint and professionalism under pressure and wished Rifleman Mokoena a speedy recovery.
The incident has once again highlighted the intense pressure faced by border patrol units during peak festive periods, particularly in Limpopo, where illegal crossings often spike at the end of the year.
Saturday Star