The Border Management Authority has announced the temporary suspension of operations at five ports of entry in Limpopo due to inclement weather conditions. The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr. Michael Masiapato, said the decision was made following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall at the Stockpoort, Makgobistad, Bray, Groblersbridge, and Pontdrift ports of entry.

DANGEROUS CONDITIONS

Masiapato said their personnel and other law enforcement officials were stranded on an island at the Stockpoort Port of Entry where the Immigration Office is located, making moving impossible. "At Stockpoort Port of Entry, operations have been suspended as the port is surrounded by water. The corridor leading to the port, the operational area, and the bridge after the port have been submerged. BMA and other law enforcement officials were stranded on the island where the Immigration Office is located, making movement impossible," he said. Masiapato added that they sought help from Limpopo EMS to evacuate affected employees using a helicopter for safety purposes. He also confirmed that Makgobistad Port of Entry remains temporarily closed due to the flooding of the Molopo River, while Bray and Groblersbridge Ports of Entry have also been flooded, leading to the temporary suspension of operations. "Pontdrift Port of Entry continues to be affected by high water levels, and operations remain suspended until further notice. At the Derdepoort Port of Entry, water levels have subsided, and normal operations have since resumed. Travellers and commercial operators are advised to use Ramatlabama, Kopfontein, Beitbridge, and Skilpadshek ports of entry as alternatives for cross-border movement," said Masiapato.

CLOSELY MONITORING 

Masiapato said the BMA would monitor weather conditions across the country at all ports of entry and provide updates. "We urge travellers and transporters to make alternative arrangements and remain informed through official BMA communication channels," he said.