Delays continue at the Lebombo Border Post on December 24 as the holiday rush overwhelms the facility, with traffic jams on the N4 highway and traveler non-compliance exacerbating issues, BMA Commissioner Mike Masiapato says.
Following significant delays reported on December 23, where hundreds queued amid inadequate infrastructure and over 50 illegal crossing arrests were made, the Lebombo Border Post in Komatipoort remains strained by an influx of Mozambicans returning home. An estimated 300,000 crossings have occurred since festive operations began.
BMA Commissioner Mike Masiapato highlighted ongoing challenges, noting patterns from previous years: “But I think in terms of Lebombo this time last year and year before last, we continue to struggle and I think the biggest challenges we are dealing with is that Mozambicans are just deciding not to co-operate... they also drive on the oncoming traffic that’s why we are having the lock jam.”
Traffic congestion affects both directions on the N4, with police deployed along the corridor to manage flow. Despite additional personnel and ramped-up operations—including segregated processing areas—high volumes persist, underscoring needs for better compliance and infrastructure during peak periods.