Operations at the Lebombo border post remain suspended for the second consecutive day as protests in Mozambique continue to spill over into South Africa.
Lebombo border closure: Here are the latest updates
The unrest, stemming from local grievances in Mozambique, has left hundreds of truck drivers stranded at the border, unable to deliver essential goods.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirmed that the protests have disrupted key logistical routes, effectively halting cross-border trade.
Drivers face long wait times, escalating costs, and heightened frustration as operations show no signs of resuming.
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Stranded drivers are increasingly becoming targets for criminals. Many have reported theft of personal items, and, in some cases, they claim their employers hold them financially responsible for the losses.
One trucker lamented:
“We are left vulnerable here. No protection, no clear communication from the authorities. If something is stolen, we are expected to pay for it, adding to our struggles.”
Minister Leon Schreiber hails anti-smuggling victory amid border chaos
While the chaos unfolds at Lebombo, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber cast a spotlight on progress made in combating border-related crimes.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) recently arrested a South African taxi driver at Beitbridge for smuggling 25 undocumented foreign nationals into the country, including 20 children.
The driver faces criminal charges, and the vehicle has been impounded with a R375,000 conveyance fine.
The children are now under Zimbabwean child welfare authorities’ care while investigations continue.
Minister Schreiber described this as a “clear message” of South Africa’s resolve to restore border order despite resource challenges.
“Despite resource constraints, the BMA’s intelligence-led, collaborative and technologically-enabled festive season operational plan is already sending a clear message that we are determined to restore the rule of law,” Schreiber said.
The unrest in Mozambique has also led to widespread power outages, which have spilt over into neighbouring Zambia.
As South Africa approaches the peak of its festive season, border closures and regional instability are putting immense pressure on cross-border trade and national security.
With no immediate resolution in sight, drivers, businesses, and border authorities face mounting uncertainty.
