Friday, February 7, 2025

FIRST WITH SECURITY NEWS

Oshoek Port of Entry reopens after temporary closure

Published on

Operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry, the busiest border crossing between South Africa and Eswatini, were temporarily suspended following a severe truck accident on Sunday, 26 January 2025. The incident, which resulted in extensive damage to vehicles and border infrastructure, prompted an immediate response from authorities to ensure the safety of all stakeholders. After a thorough investigation and safety assessment, operations have now resumed, restoring the flow of travellers and trade between the two nations.

At approximately 10:20 on Sunday 26 January 2025, a 32-ton coal truck, allegedly experiencing brake failure, lost control while descending on the departure side of the border post towards Eswatini. The truck crashed into a total of 15 vehicles, including 10 private cars, four SARS vehicles, and one South African National Defence Force (SANDF) bakkie. The impact caused significant damage, bringing border operations to a standstill.

In addition to vehicle destruction, the crash also severely affected port infrastructure, with two guardhouses and an inspection shelter sustaining substantial structural damage. Authorities immediately secured the scene to prevent further risk and launched a joint investigation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Border Management Authority (BMA), and other relevant agencies.

Three individuals sustained injuries in the incident: a SARS official, a tourism monitor, and the truck driver. Emergency medical teams from Eswatini responded swiftly, stabilizing the injured and transporting them to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Fortunately, all three individuals are reported to be recovering well.

Recognizing the severity of the accident, BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato, in coordination with SARS officials, took the decision to suspend all operations at Oshoek Port of Entry. This temporary closure allowed investigators to collect evidence, conduct forensic assessments, and ensure that the site was safe before reopening.

On Tuesday, following extensive safety inspections and clearance by disaster management teams, Dr. Masiapato and SARS announced the full resumption of operations at Oshoek Port of Entry. The decision came after structural integrity assessments confirmed that the port could safely accommodate travelers and cargo operations.

“We are pleased to confirm that all port operations have resumed, allowing for the seamless movement of people and goods between South Africa and Eswatini,” Masiapato stated. “Our priority remains the safety of all stakeholders using the port.”

He further extended gratitude to the multiple agencies involved in the response, including SAPS, SANDF, Eswatini Emergency Medical Services, and disaster management authorities, for their swift and coordinated efforts.

In addition, Masiapato expressed appreciation for the patience and understanding of travelers and trade partners during the disruption, assuring that measures would be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As Oshoek Port of Entry returns to full functionality, authorities continue to monitor operations closely, ensuring that border security and trade facilitation remain uncompromised.

MOST READ

SITE SPONSORS

More like this

Drone technology boosts border security over festive season

The use of drone technology has boosted South Africa’s border security efforts, with operations...

Impressive line-up of speakers set to lead discussions at Public-Private Partnerships for Defence & Security Conference

With an outstanding line-up of expert speakers ranging from a deputy defence minister to...

BMA issues tender for UAV procurement

The Border Management Authority (BMA) of South Africa has announced plans to enhance its...