Lebombo Port of Entry has been temporarily closed due to escalating unrest and reported attacks on vehicles at Ressano Garcia on the Mozambican side.
This decision, confirmed by Dr. Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), was taken after incidents of vehicles being torched, placing cross-border transporters, travellers, traders, and officials at significant risk.
“We have made the decision to temporarily close the port to protect everyone crossing or working at Lebombo. The safety of our stakeholders is our highest priority,” said Commissioner Dr. Masiapato, adding that they are closely coordinating with Mozambican authorities and South African law enforcement agencies to monitor the unfolding situation.
In a statement last night, the BMA advised all travellers to avoid using the Lebombo border until further notice and encouraged them to consider alternative routes until stability returns.
South African truckers, in particular, are advised not to interfere with protestors in the area.
Read | Warning of Protest Action at Lebombo Border Post that Could Disrupt Traffic
The decision to close the border follows videos earlier published by SA Trucker, shared by South African truck drivers stranded at the KM4 staging area on the Mozambican side.
In these videos, hundreds of stick-wielding youths were seen storming the border offices.
Shortly afterward, additional footage surfaced on social media showing vehicles and other structures engulfed in flames.
Other videos showed protestors hijacking South African trucks and using them to block the N4 route on the Mozambican side, though no reports of drivers being physically harmed have been received.
Dr. Masiapato further reported that seven Mozambican officials had requested refuge on the South African side for their safety amid the unrest.
Meanwhile, South African officials remain on the ground to assist, and the BMA and SARS will continue to provide real-time updates through official channels, alerting stakeholders once the port is deemed safe for reopening.
“We’re grateful for the cooperation between our teams and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to address the situation. Our teams are fully committed to reopening the port once it is safe to do so,” Dr. Masiapato concluded.
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