By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The Lebombo Border Post is known for high volumes of traffic during the festive season, resulting in delays that leave many road users frustrated.
In a bid to curb this challenge, members of the NATJOINTS visited the Border Post to inspect the state of readiness as part Festive Season Operations, particularly focused on Christmas Day and subsequent days leading to the final days of 2025, as well as the first few weeks of January 2026.
Speaking for the SAPS(South African Police Service) in Mpumalanga, Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, said the NATJOINTS team conducted inspections to ensure that everything is in order, as well as to identify challenges faced by officials on the ground.
Nonyane-Mpe added that the NATJOINTS leadership engaged with the officials and came with solutions to ease the pressure as holiday makers flock to neighbouring countries through the Border Post before Christmas Day.
“ The tour forms part of efforts by the NATJOINTS to rightfully channel resources to areas where they are most needed, and also to ensure that law enforcement agencies deal decisively with crime during the holiday season. The team also got an opportunity to engage with members of the public at border post, getting the understanding of their experiences,” said Nonyane-Mpe.
The NATJOINTS team included Commissioner of BMA (Border Management Authority) (BMA), Dr Mike Masiapato; Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga,Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Patrick Mbutho from Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI at National Office),Major-General Mashadi Selepe from NATJOINTS, Major-General Dorah Xaba, the Ehlanzeni District Commissioner; Director John Mnisi from Traffic Law Enforcement under DCSSL(Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison) representatives from SARS (Customs), to mention but a few.
