Key Takeaways
- A 29-year-old Mozambican traveller, Marluz Albino Tovela, gave birth to a baby boy at the Lebombo Port of Entry on December 30, 2025
- Border officials, including Sergeant Tshidi Mokoena and Constable Sandiso Nyathi from the South African Police Service, and Jabu Nkuna from the South African Revenue Service, assisted in the delivery
- The officials went beyond their usual duties to provide medical assistance and ensured the mother and child received further medical care at Tonga Hospital
- The provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the officials for their exceptional conduct and commitment to serving the community with care and compassion
Introduction to the Unexpected Birth
In a remarkable demonstration of compassion and teamwork, border officials at the Lebombo Port of Entry found themselves in an unexpected role on the busy morning of December 30, 2025. A Mozambican traveller, 29-year-old Marluz Albino Tovela, went into labour while attempting to cross to her home country, turning a routine border crossing into a life-changing event. Tovela was en route to Inhambane, Mozambique, when the urgency of childbirth brought her journey to an abrupt halt. The unexpected turn of events required the border officials to think on their feet and respond quickly to ensure the safety and well-being of the mother and child.
The Role of Border Officials in the Delivery
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the Buzaphi Team on site recognised the need for immediate intervention when they saw Tovela in distress. Not equipped for delivery but motivated by the necessity of the moment, they stepped away from their usual duties to provide medical assistance. Sergeant Tshidi Mokoena and Constable Sandiso Nyathi of the South African Police Service, together with Jabu Nkuna from the South African Revenue Service, went beyond the call of duty and assisted as midwives during the delivery. The trio successfully guided Tovela in delivering a healthy baby boy, who has since been affectionately nicknamed ‘Baby SAPS and Customs’. The officials’ quick thinking and actions ensured that the mother and child received the necessary care and attention during the critical moment.
The Aftermath of the Delivery
Following the emotional event, both mother and child were reported to be in good health. An ambulance was immediately called to ensure that they received further medical observation and postnatal care at Tonga Hospital. The prompt response of the border officials and the subsequent medical care ensured that Tovela and her baby received the best possible care, given the circumstances. The fact that the mother and child were in good health after the delivery is a testament to the excellent care and attention they received from the border officials and the medical team at Tonga Hospital.
Commendation for the Border Officials
The provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the officials for their exceptional conduct. Mkhwanazi stated that policing is not only about combating crime, but also about serving communities with care, compassion, and humanity when the need arises. He further applauded the officials for their outstanding commitment and dedication to their duties, which went beyond their usual responsibilities. The commendation from the provincial police commissioner highlights the importance of the role that border officials play in serving the community, not just in terms of law enforcement, but also in providing care and assistance in times of need.
Conclusion and Reflection
The birth of ‘Baby SAPS and Customs’ at the Lebombo Port of Entry is a heartwarming story that showcases the compassion and teamwork of border officials. The officials’ actions demonstrate that they are not just law enforcement officers, but also caring individuals who are committed to serving the community. The story serves as a reminder that even in unexpected situations, individuals can come together to make a positive difference in someone’s life. The birth of the baby boy is a celebration of life, and the role that the border officials played in ensuring the safe delivery is a testament to their humanity and dedication to their duties.