This was confirmed by Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato on Wednesday, June 3.

Of the 933 individuals processed, 349 originated from the Lindela Holding Facility and were transported by the Department of Home Affairs through its deportation programme. The remaining 584 individuals travelled from Mossel Bay through arrangements facilitated by the Mozambican High Commission.

The BMA says travellers underwent the required immigration processing, including identity verification, biometric checks and immigration status assessments, in accordance with South African immigration legislation and border management procedures.

Among those processed were individuals who did not possess valid travel documentation and others whose immigration status required further verification. In addition, 17 individuals who had previously entered South Africa legally were found to have overstayed their authorised period of stay. These cases were processed in accordance with the Immigration Act and applicable regulations.

About 38 minors formed part of the group and were processed with the assistance of the Department of Social Development to ensure compliance with all applicable child protection and cross-border movement requirements.

As part of the BMA’s mandate, all persons were screened and processed in accordance with health, security and immigration protocols before being permitted to proceed through the Port of Entry.At the conclusion of the operation, 926 individuals successfully departed South Africa for Mozambique.

Seven individuals were not permitted to depart following immigration processing and verification. These cases included individuals who did not meet the prescribed requirements for cross-border movement. Appropriate arrangements were made for all affected individuals in accordance with legal and administrative requirements.

READ | Immigration officials arrested at Lebombo Port of Entry

Commissioner Masiapato stated that the management of cross-border movement must be conducted in a manner that is lawful, orderly and consistent with South Africa’s immigration framework.

The BMA remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring compliance with immigration legislation and safeguarding the integrity of our ports of entry. We will continue to work closely with our regional counterparts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration, while protecting the security interests of South Africa and the region,” he said.

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Dr Masiapato confirmed that on 25 December 2025 on Christmas Day, the BMA 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.

READ | Lebombo Border operations running smoothly as holiday movements increase

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.

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The processing of cargo on both arrival and departure continues as normal, with efficient facilitation ensuring seamless movement of goods. Similarly, traveller movements in both directions are flowing without disruptions, reflecting the Authority’s preparedness for the busy holiday season.

Backlog of trucks that were on the N4 have been cleared, together with traffic on the corridor towards the Port of Entry. This weekend from Friday, 13 December to Sunday, 15 December 2024, 52 252 travellers were processed at Lebombo Port of Entry – a clear indication of the increased activity as South Africa enters its peak travel period.

READ | Festive campaign aims for big tourism numbers

Commissioner, Dr Masiapato affirmed that the BMA remains vigilant and fully equipped to maintain this level of efficiency while continuing to monitor operations closely. “We are working with other law enforcement authorities and stakeholders such as the South African Revenue Services (SARS) to ensure that both trade and travel through Lebombo are handled with maximum efficiency and minimal delays during this high-demand period,” he said.

The BMA appreciates the cooperation of travellers and stakeholders and encourages continued adherence to border regulations to maintain smooth operations. Given the dynamic nature of operations on the ground, the BMA remains committed to providing timely updates as the situation evolves. The Authority urges the public to report any suspicious activities at the ports by contacting the BMA’s toll-free hotline at 0801 229 019.

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