The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) arrested more than 1 100 undocumented Zimbabweans attempting to cross into the neighbouring country on Christmas Day.
Soldiers from the 1 South African Tank Regiment intercepted 1 174 Zimbabwean nationals attempting to enter South Africa through illegal border crossings, marking what defence officials described as the largest single influx recorded during the festive season.
“This is a completely atypical situation for this time of year,” the SANDF said in a statement. “The numbers are staggering, and the behaviour encountered was uncharacteristically aggressive.”
The operation turned violent when Rifleman TM Mokoena was stabbed in the forearm while defending himself against an individual who attempted a life-threatening assault. According to a SANDF incident report, the soldier’s training prevented a more serious outcome.
“Due to the high standard of training provided by the Defence Force, Rifleman Mokoena was able to neutralise the threat without resorting to deadly force,” the report said.
The assailant was detained and remains in custody. Mokoena received immediate treatment from SANDF medics deployed at the border and is in stable condition.
Defence Intelligence Services assumed control of the matter for further processing. The 1 174 intercepted individuals were later handed over to South African Immigration Services.
The SANDF said all detainees were transferred “in good health and without injury.”
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Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, praised the troops’ conduct under pressure.
“Colonel Tladi commended our soldiers for their restraint and professionalism, and wished Rifleman Mokoena a speedy recovery,” said Captain Moses Semono, the unit’s information officer.
