Fraudsters active at border post

2011-12-11 14:11

Siphiwe Nyathi

Komatipoort - Travellers crossing between Mpumalanga and Mozambique have been warned against fraudsters masquerading as government officials at the Lebombo border post.

The Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI) warned that individuals working on both sides of the border were passing themselves off as government officials and charging a fee to complete documentation on behalf of travellers.

 MCLI chief executive Barbara Mommen said: "These people are fraudsters and should be avoided.

"No fees are payable on either side of the border for the completion of documents.

"If travellers are unsure, they should ask a border post official for official identification and an official government receipt.”

Mommen warned that illegal border post runners were also offering to speed up activities at the thoroughfares and help travellers jump immigration queues.

“This makes you party to fraud and corruption and undermines the efforts of the relevant government departments to stamp out corruption and provide an effective service,” she warned.

She said while the traffic department and police would deploy additional staff to the border, long queues and traffic congestion were still expected.

“The festive period carries the highest volume of holiday, business and tourist travel and it is very likely that there will be delays if you are crossing the border," she said.

The expected peak periods will be from December 22 to 24 and January 2 to 4.

"Travellers are advised to plan their trips carefully to avoid the long queues,” Mommen said.

Certificate

Mommen said travellers to Mozambique are required by law to carry a ZA sticker, reflective vest and two red emergency triangles.

She warned all travellers that no firearms or animals were allowed across the border.

Travellers who have been to countries affected by Yellow Fever will need to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

She advised travellers to check beforehand what documents would be required.

The Lebombo and Ressano Garcia border posts have been operating for 24 hours since December 1 and will continue until January 16.

- African Eye