The Lebombo Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique is officially back in full operation today, with authorities working to clear a significant truck backlog stretching over 20 kilometres.
This follows a temporary closure due to violent protests in Mozambique.
Protestors raided and destroyed systems at KM4 on the Mozambican side of the border where cargo vehicles are cleared.
During the protests, some Mozambican officials had to seek refuge in South Africa.
Following discussions with Mozambican counterparts, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) initially reopened the post yesterday to allow for essential movement.
Today, however, traffic is flowing smoothly, with vehicles and cargo moving freely on both sides.
Michael Masiapato, the head of the BMA, confirmed that systems on the Mozambican side at the KM4 checkpoint were restored, enabling resumed processing for all vehicles.
The BMA and SARS are actively managing the situation to ensure that the backlog of cargo trucks, which extended from the border to Komatipoort, is efficiently processed.
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The border closure occurred after Mozambican protesters, angered by allegations of electoral fraud in the recent national elections, intensified demonstrations near the border, including the torching of infrastructure.
Tensions have remained high as the opposition party Podemos and its supporters accuse the ruling Frelimo party of manipulating election results, with ongoing calls for a recount.
As operations return to normal at Lebombo, both BMA and SARS remain vigilant, monitoring the situation to prevent further disruptions.
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