The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it stopped 8 135 people from entering South Africa illegally between July and September.
More than half (4 092) were undocumented, while 1 982 were classified as undesirables.
Most came from Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini. The authority says these patterns match previous years.
Millions in Illegal Goods Seized
Officials identified 40 fraudulent documents at OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and the Vioolsdrift land port on the Namibian border.
The BMA also seized fake and harmful goods worth millions of rands.
Among them were skin-lightening creams, which Sahpra warns can damage the skin and kidneys.
The authority will launch its festive season operations next week and expects familiar trends.
Commissioner Michael Masiapato says Basotho nationals usually make up the largest group of illegal crossing attempts, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
Extended Border Operating Hours as BMA tackles illegal crossings
The BMA will extend operating hours at several ports, including two posts with Botswana, Kosi Bay with Mozambique, and three posts with Eswatini.
Five ports on the Lesotho border will also operate for longer.
Masiapato says the authority usually sees an “exit leg” from 10 to 31 December as travellers leave the country.
This reverses on New Year’s Day with the “entry leg”, which lasts until 15 January.
