Lebombo Port of Entry in South Africa processed over 18 450 travellers on 25 December, turning back 88 individuals who had overstayed their legally permitted 90-day period. The Border Management Authority (BMA) said most of the travellers moved through automated systems, with only 450 people, mainly women and children, requiring manual processing. These cases are being captured and reconciled on the Enhanced Movement Control System.
Commissioner Michael Masiapato reported that despite the surge in festive travel, the border maintained operational efficiency while enforcing immigration laws. He said the authority remained fully deployed, ensuring smooth passage for legitimate travellers while preventing illegal activities along the border.
Law enforcement operations intensified on 26 December, resulting in the seizure of more than 80 Nike sneakers from an individual attempting to smuggle them into South Africa. Authorities also arrested one person suspected of facilitating illegal migration. The suspect has been charged for aiding and abetting under the Immigration Act, with all affected individuals being processed according to immigration and law enforcement regulations.
Cargo movement at the border ran efficiently, with approximately 805 trucks cleared at KM7 on Christmas Day. This helped ease congestion along the N4 corridor toward Lebombo and ensured smooth transit into Mozambique and onward to the port of Maputo.
Masiapato confirmed that the N4 corridor is currently clear and that normal operations at the Lebombo border post have resumed, with continued monitoring in place.
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