Oshoek Port of Entry has not yet resumed cargo operations
Cargo transporters have been advised to use alternative ports of entry
Efforts to resume full operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry following the truck accident on Sunday January 26, are still continuing.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has reported that cargo operations did not resume as planned earlier today, Monday January 27.
“Upon further assessment of the damage to SARS property, cargo operations will not be resuming today at 06:00. Internal engagements are ongoing on how best to manage this crisis, including support to the three officials injured, with two currently in hospital. We, therefore, request our clients to use alternative ports,” said the BMA’s deputy assistant commissioner for communications, Mmemme Mogotsi.
She said the closest ports of entry to be considered by cargo transporters were Lebombo, Nerston, Mahamba and Jeppes Reef.
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Lebombo operates 24 hours a day; Nerston opens at 07:00 and closes at 18:00, Mahamba between 07:00 and 22:00, while Jeppes Reef’s operating time is from 07:00 to 20:00.
“Developments following further assessments will be provided tomorrow (Tuesday January 28),” said Mokgotsi.
She confirmed during a telephonic interview with Lowvelder this morning, Monday January 27, that pedestrians and light vehicles were being processed at the Oshoek Port of Entry.
@lowvelder Three people sustained injuries when a coal truck’s brakes allegedly failed and it crashed into some cars and buildings at the Oshoek Border Post. Operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry have been suspended temporarily following a heavy commercial truck accident earlier today, January 26. The 32-tonne coal truck reportedly experienced a brake failure and crashed into multiple stationary vehicles, two guard houses and an inspection shelter at the border at around 10:20. “The truck allegedly experienced brake failure on its approach to the port from the South African side. The truck crashed into 10 stationary private vehicles, four SARS [South African Revenue Service] vehicles and one SANDF bakkie, causing significant damage,” said a statement released by the Border Management Authority (BMA) and SARS. “Three individuals, including one SARS official, one tourism monitor and the driver of the truck sustained injuries during the incident,” said the statement. The injured were attended to by eSwatinian emergency medical services and transported to a hospital in the Kingdom of eSwatini for further treatment. “As a precautionary measure, all operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended to allow for investigations by the SAPS and for the collection of evidence and photographs from the scene,” said the BMA’s commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato. “Pending the safety assessments by disaster management teams, the operations at the port will continue to be suspended until the necessary clearance has been issued to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.” Travellers and cargo transporters are subsequently advised to use alternative ports of entry with eSwatini such as Nerston, Mahamba, Jeppes Reef and the Lebombo Port of Entry with Mozambique. The BMA and SARS have wished those who were injured a speedy recovery. The two entities also thanked the eSwatinian emergency medical services for their swift response, as well as all affected stakeholders for their co-operation during this challenging time. Efforts to resume the port’s operations are under way. >Video: Supplied and Sourced
The operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry were initially suspended following a heavy commercial truck accident earlier yesterday, Sunday January 26.
The 32-tonne coal truck reportedly experienced a brake failure and crashed into multiple stationary vehicles, two guardhouses and an inspection shelter at the border at around 10:20.
“The truck allegedly experienced brake failure on its approach to the port from the South African side. The truck crashed into 10 stationary private vehicles, four SARS [South African Revenue Service] vehicles and one SANDF bakkie, causing significant damage,” said a statement released by the Border Management Authority (BMA) and SARS.
“Three individuals, one SARS official, one tourism monitor and the driver of the truck sustained injuries during the incident,” said the statement.
The injured were attended to by eSwatini Emergency Medical Services and transported to a hospital in the Kingdom of eSwatini for further treatment. One has since been treated and discharged.
