By Dr Michael Masiapato
Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA)
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has provided an update on the operational situation at the Lebombo Port of Entry following heightened movements during the Christmas period.
Dr Masiapato confirmed that on 25 December 2025 on Christmas Day, the Border Management Authority successfully processed over 18 450 travellers exiting the Republic of South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry.
While the majority of travellers were processed through automated systems, only 450 mainly women and children were processed manually and are currently being in the process of being fully captured and reconciled on the Enhanced Movement Control System (EMCS).
In relation to border law enforcement operations, the Commissioner indicated that no major interceptions were recorded in vulnerable areas on Christmas Day due to heightened patrols.
However, 88 individuals were declared undesirable, primarily due to overstaying their legally permitted period of 90 days in the Republic of South Africa.
During the early hours of 26 December 2025, BMA law enforcement officials intercepted more than 80 Nike Sneakers from an individual attempting to enter them into South Africa illegally.
Further, one individual suspected of facilitating illegal migration was also intercepted, arrested and charged for aiding and abetting in accordance with the Immigration Act.
In this regard, all affected individuals are being processed in line with applicable immigration and law enforcement prescripts.
On the movement of cargo, Dr Masiapato reported that approximately 805 trucks were cleared at KM7, moving out of South Africa into Mozambique and onward to the Port of Maputo.
As a result of the successful processing of cargo movements, the Commissioner confirmed that the N4 corridor is currently cleared of any kind of congestion towards the Lebombo Port of Entry.
“The Border Management Authority remains fully deployed and vigilant, ensuring both the facilitation of legitimate movement and the prevention of illegal activities at our ports of entry and along the borderline, particularly during this peak festive period,” said Dr Masiapato.
The Lebombo border post is norms back to normal operations. However, the BMA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will continue to provide further updates as and when necessary.
Report suspicious activities on 0801 229 019, or via the BMA website platform on www.bma.gov.za
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