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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 02 Dec 2008 Title: Stricter rules for travellers at Lebombo border post -------------------- By Aubrey Sambo Nelspruit - Travellers crossing the Lebombo border post between Mpumalanga and Mozambique will face tighter rules and regulations this holiday season. Chief operating officer for the Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI), Barbara Mommen, said the stricter regulations were a result of lessons learnt during the last two festive seasons. "Experience gained during the massive influx of traffic during December 2006 and December 2007 has played a significant role in this year's planning," Ms Mommen said. The traffic department and police, she said, would deploy additional staff to the border, but that long queues and traffic congestion were still expected. Ms Mommen further indicated that firearms would not be allowed across the border. "Firearms are not permitted to be carried across the border. Neither may firearms be handed into any police station in South Africa, due to the changes in legislation in this regard," she said, adding that no animals will be allowed through either. Travellers who have been to countries affected by Yellow Fever will need to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Motorists whose cars are still financed by the bank need to get an authorisation and insurance repatriation confirmation from the same bank before attempting to cross the border. "If your vehicle is fully paid up you will require the original car registration papers," she said, adding that if a person will be driving a car that does not belong to them, the owner's written permission will be required. She said drivers are also advised to obtain an international driver's licence. All travellers are urged to report any corruption. "If the police or traffic officers request a bribe, ensure that you take the name of the officer, and ensure that the location and time of the roadblock is noted. Without this information there can be no recourse," said Ms Mommen. She said that police officers or traffic cops are not supposed to receive cash when issuing fines. "Don't pay fines to the police or traffic officers, but rather at the nearest police station. Then get an official receipt, stamped if possible." Law enforcers were also not allowed to take possession of any driver's license. She also urged travellers to avoid people who claim to be government officials who offer to complete travel documentation for a fee. "These individuals are fraudsters and should be avoided. No fees are payable on either side of the border for the completion of documents," she said. The only fee charged is R17, which is levied by Mozambican immigration for travellers into Mozambique for processing passports at Ressano Garcia. "Receiving the fee will be an immigration officer in full uniform." She said that motorists are allowed to ask for official identification and an official government receipt from the immigration officer. Ms Mommen further indicated that the border would be open 24 hours until 16 January. - BuaNews |
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