These protests, driven by political tensions, led to reports of vehicles being set on fire on the Mozambican side of the border. While the border was initially closed to manage security risks, BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that the situation had improved, with the Mozambican authorities restoring their systems to allow the resumption of processing activities at the KM 4 checkpoint. This marks a step toward the full reopening of the point of entry, which will also help clear the cargo backlog in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

“The Mozambican systems have been restored, and processing activities have resumed on their side. This development enables the BMA and SARS to work diligently to clear the current backlog,” Masiapato said. The resumption of cargo processing through the Ressano Garcia port of entry into Mozambique follows concerted efforts by Mozambican authorities to resolve the issues with their systems, ensuring smoother border operations.

However, despite the resumption of cargo operations, the BMA continues to advise caution for travelers. Travelers have been warned to “remain cautious and stay informed of travel updates when planning trips to Mozambique,” Masiapato stressed, while also urging travelers to consider alternative ports, such as the Mananga port, which is located 60km from Lebombo. “We’ve advised travelers to use this port for passage into Eswatini, which will ultimately allow them to enter Mozambique safely.”

The BMA also emphasized that the partial reopening of the border was initially to allow Mozambicans to return home, with Masiapato noting “for the ordinary Mozambicans who say ‘I want to go back home’, we should not necessarily continue to refuse them to do so.” However, Mozambican authorities had further “worked tirelessly to address cargo systems for smooth border processing,” Masiapato noted, with the border now able to process cargo.

As for South African nationals, Masiapato confirmed that there have been no reports of South Africans being “under siege” on the Mozambican side. The primary concerns have been related to the movement of South African trucks, including six petroleum trucks, which were repatriated for safety reasons.

The BMA and SARS will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure smooth and secure border operations, with the goal of facilitating trade and travel in a safe manner. However, travelers are urged to remain cautious and stay informed of any updates when planning trips to Mozambique. The BMA has stated that further engagements with the Mozambican government will take place to determine the next steps for the border’s full reopening.

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This as the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has received reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the port in post-election violence.

“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice. This decision was made to ensure the safety of all cross-border transporters, travellers, traders and officials operating at the port.

“The BMA is coordinating closely with Mozambican authorities and South African law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation and work towards reopening the port as soon as it is safe to do so,” said the BMA in a statement on Tuesday night.

The Commissioner advised all stakeholders to suspend travel through the Lebombo port until further notice.

“Alternative routes to Mozambique must be used where feasible at the moment until the situation has stabilised,” Masiapato said.

He said South African officials are on the ground providing assistance to seven officials from the Mozambican side who have requested refuge on the South African side for safety and protection.

“The BMA and its counterparts are working urgently to address the situation, and we are appreciating the cooperation we are receiving at the moment,” he said.

The BMA and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will continue to provide updates through official channels and notify stakeholders as soon as the port is deemed safe for reopening.

Violent protests erupted in Maputo after Mozambique’s election results were announced on 24 October. Ruling party Frelimo was re-elected, with its candidate Daniel Chapo obtaining 71% of the vote, but this is disputed by the opposition.

Protests spread to the border on Tuesday evening, with protestors storming the port of entry, setting alight buildings, including security guard houses, as well as vehicles belonging to officials.

The opposition has called for a nationwide protest on Thursday 7 November. At least a dozen people have been killed by security forces, who have been using tear gas and live ammunition.

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A BMA statement has it the multiple passports – 32 Mozambican and two Angolan – along with bank notes were found on the suspect, whose nationality is not given. “A case of possession of suspected stolen property has been opened and further investigations are underway to determine the origins of the passports,” according to the statement which terms the arrest “significant”.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato applauded the arrest, saying it is a message to “illegal facilitators who continue to undermine the border control system” adding the Authority will continue to “charge them criminally with aiding and abetting as prescribed by the Immigration Act”.

He praised the border guards as the frontline BMA troops for their attention to detail and commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s ports as “crucial” to ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities and root out corruption.

“The Border Management Authority remains steadfast in its mission to secure the 71 ports of entry and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The BMA will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat cross-border crimes,” it said.

In addition to Masiapato’s men and women, deployed at or in the vicinity of South Africa’s 71 ports of entry, border control and protection is also delegated to the SA National Defence Force (SANDF). By way of Operation Corona this sees 14 companies deployed along South Africa’s 4 862 km of land border with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The SA Police Service (SAPS) also has a dedicated border police team.

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This is according to the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato.

Speaking ahead of Youth Day this weekend, the Commissioner highlighted what he described as the “outstanding benefits of youth employment of Junior Border Guards, who continue to thrive with massive interceptions at ports of entry”.

During a border law enforcement operation on 11 June 2024, Junior Border Guards at the Lebombo Port of Entry intercepted significant units of counterfeit alcohol hidden in a minibus taxi, under bags of coal and packs of lettuce.

On 12 June 2024, they intercepted counterfeit clothing and shoes hidden in a trailer of another minibus taxi and in a bakkie full of vegetables. 

“These vehicles were travelling from Mozambique trying to smuggle the goods illegally when they were stopped for a routine search.  The matters were handed over to customs for processing,” said Masiapato.

He highlighted the positive impact the Junior Border Guards have brought in the border law enforcement environment.

He further emphasised the value of investing in youth and the significant returns the investment brings to society.

“As we celebrate Youth Month, the Junior Border Guards continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of our border security measures. These young recruits, equipped with rigorous training and a commitment to safeguarding our nation, have been instrumental in making massive interceptions that have disrupted illegal activities and protected our borders.

“Young people have been awarded the opportunity to contribute to our nation’s safety and they are thriving at the job,” Masiapato said.

The Border Management Authority remains committed to protecting the 71 ports of entry while facilitating the legitimate movement of goods and people.

The work of the BMA covers areas of immigration, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.

The Commissioner said the authority looked forward to the continued success and the ongoing contributions of these dedicated young individuals. 

Last month another 400 border guards entered BMA service. They have been deployed to the most problematic points of entry to deal with illegal migration, illicit cigarettes, human trafficking and smuggling, amongst others. In addition to 100 at Beitbridge, 90 were sent to the Lebombo port of entry with Mozambique, 90 to Lesotho ports of entry, and around 29 reserved for the BMA’s special response team in Pretoria to respond to any port of entry challenge that will arise at any time.

The BMA started operations in April last year and was officially launched in October. It has been able to intercept around 280 000 people trying to enter South Africa illegally, including some individuals without any documentation and some criminals. The BMA has stopped 161 vehicles leaving South Africa illegally – primarily into Mozambique – and prevented 395 explosives from being smuggled in from Zimbabwe. They would have most likely been used in cash in transit heists and illegal mining.

The BMA, President Cyril Ramaphosa said when officially launching the authority in Musina last year, is the newest component of government’s security apparatus. It joins the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), actively deployed on border protection since 2009, which sees 15 companies patrol land borders, and the SAPS with its own border security units, part of its Visible Policing and Operations Division.

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