Paramount bolsters border security at Lebombo Port ahead of Easter travel, deploying Maatla armoured vehicles and drones to detect illegal crossings, smuggling, and enhance real-time operational coordination with the BMA.
Image: Supplied
Paramount South Africa has deployed its advanced border security technologies at the Lebombo Port of Entry, supporting the Border Management Authority (BMA) as South Africa prepares for the busy Easter holiday period.
Nico De Klerk, Director of Group Communications at Paramount International, said Lebombo is one of South Africa’s busiest land crossings, connecting the country with Mozambique and handling both passenger and commercial traffic.
“It is a critical gateway for tourism, trade, and employment, but also faces heightened risks from illegal crossings and smuggling, especially during peak travel periods.”
He added that South Africa’s borders face ongoing challenges, including human trafficking and the smuggling of contraband, and other transnational crimes, prompting the BMA to intensify operations at key points, including Lebombo, which is one of the country’s busiest land ports.
As part of the operation, De Klerk said Paramount has deployed three Maatla armoured border patrol vehicles, designed for rugged terrain and high-risk environments, alongside the Vulture VTOL unmanned aerial system (UAS).
''The drones are deployed to conduct persistent aerial surveillance, detecting illegal crossings, suspicious movements, and smuggling activities along the borderline—particularly in remote areas and during night operations,'' he said
Once potential threats are identified, the armoured vehicles are mobilised for rapid response by BMA ground teams, who are equipped with body-worn cameras to ensure real-time communication, coordination, and operational visibility.
De Klerk said the live-streaming feeds from body-worn cameras are integrated with the drones and vehicles, allowing operators to receive real-time visuals and precise coordinates of suspected threats and deployed teams.
This, he said, significantly enhances situational awareness, decision-making, and operational effectiveness.
“The integration of drones, vehicles, and body-worn cameras allows operators to track suspected threats and deployed teams in real time, significantly improving situational awareness and operational effectiveness,” De Klerk said.
He further noted that early operational feedback reportedly indicates the systems have already helped intercept contraband and apprehend individuals attempting illegal crossings.
Lindiwe Tshabalala, CEO of Paramount South Africa, said the deployment highlights the value of integrated, home-grown technology.
“We are honoured to support the Border Management Authority in its critical mission to safeguard South Africa’s borders. The leadership shown by the BMA in proactively strengthening border operations during high-risk periods such as Easter is commendable.
''This deployment not only demonstrates the value of advanced, integrated technologies in real-world operations, but also highlights the importance of testing and evaluating such systems in the demanding environments for which they are designed,” she said.
Tshabalala added that the Maatla vehicles and drones were purpose-built for “remote, rugged, and high-risk” conditions, and that live deployments provide valuable insights for future capability development.
“This operation clearly demonstrates how integrated technologies can transform border security. By combining aerial detection through drones, rapid response via armoured vehicles, and real-time coordination enabled by body-worn cameras and command centre integration, we are equipping BMA teams with a powerful, end-to-end capability.
''As a proudly South African company, we remain deeply committed to supporting our national security institutions with home-grown, world-class technologies,” she said.
De Klerk said the operational objectives at Lebombo include providing aerial surveillance, detecting illegal crossings and smuggling, deterring unlawful activity, managing traffic flows along the N4 corridor, and maintaining the sterility of the port through strengthened access and exit control measures.
“This deployment demonstrates the growing importance of integrated, technology-driven approaches to border management, combining mobility, intelligence, and real-time situational awareness to strengthen security such solutions offer a powerful force multiplier in the ongoing effort to secure South Africa’s borders while enabling legitimate trade and travel,'' he said.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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