Reports of fatalities at Beitbridge border ‘taken out of context’ - Motsoaledi
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the reports of several fatalities at the Beitbridge border post last week have been taken out of context.
The entry port bordering Limpopo and Zimbabwe had traffic backed up for kilometres ahead of Christmas.
Reports also emerged of at least five people that had died while waiting to cross the border.
Motsoaledi says there were fatalities reported since the start of the month but only one person died in peak traffic.
“Most of the people who might have demised at Beitbridge, if I may add, do not do so because there is congestion. It’s a whole year event which has got nothing to do with congestion as it was widely reported over the Christmas period,” he explained.
“So apart from the truck driver who demised on 23 December, that is the day on which the congestion peaked, those deaths occurred long before the congestions.”
He added he could not reveal the cause of death.
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Motsoaledi further said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) would beef up their efforts in the coming week in preparation for the influx of people expected back into the country.
More immigration and health officials, as well as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be stationed across the various land ports across the country to manage the incoming traffic.
Only travellers with valid Covid-19 tests will be allowed through the port.
“Alternatively, those without PCR test will be subjected to a rapid antigen test at the point of entry, on their own costs.
“South Africa will not allow any traveller into the country without the valid PCR test or antigen test for Covid-19. I’m sure you are aware that all countries are doing that around the world and so we are no exception,” Motsoaledi added.
