Lebombo border post remains operational, says BMA

The Acting Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Jane Thupana, on Friday received a situational report on operations at the Lebombo Port of Entry. The report follows engagements with their Mozambican counterparts at the Ressano Garcia Port of Entry and an in loco visit by the BMA Port Commander to assess the situation on the ground. The BMA was informed of sporadic tensions and protests in Ressano Garcia, following the announcement of the election results in Mozambique. Ressano Garcia, a small township in the Maputo province of Mozambique, is located very close to Lebombo Port of Entry. Thupana confirmed that the Lebombo border post has not been affected and remains operational with both the movement of people and goods being facilitated as normal. 'The travellers were concerned about the tensions and hesitations were noticed when crossing the border, which has the potential to create long queues at Lebombo port,' Commissioner Thupana said. 'The BMA team supported by other law enforcem ent authorities are on the ground to manage any movement blockages. 'An alert has been issued for travellers to avoid night travel due to the current situation. However, should the situation worsen and become unsafe for travellers, the BMA would inform the travellers according. 'We reiterate that the border remains open,' Thupana added. The authority said it was a priority to ensure efficient trade facilitation and movements of persons at the Lebombo Port of Entry. It said it would provide updates on any developments as they arise. Source: South African Government News Agency