South Africa shuts border crossing with Mozambique, cites safety concerns
South Africa has temporarily closed its main border crossing with Mozambique, citing safety concerns as protests in Mozambique over last month’s contested election intensify.
According to human rights groups, at least 18 people have died in the protests as opposition supporters denounce what they say is a fraudulent election victory by Frelimo, the ruling party since 1975. Security forces have responded with tear gas and live ammunition, while the government has restricted internet access and threatened military deployment.
The Lebombo port of entry in Mpumalanga province was closed after reports of vehicles being set ablaze on the Mozambican side, South Africa’s border authority stated in an email to Reuters.
“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” the authority added, noting that seven Mozambican officials had sought refuge in South Africa for their protection.
A video shared on X by an SABC reporter showed a long line of trucks extending for kilometers, waiting to cross the closed border.
The protests, part of a week of demonstrations led by opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who claims he won the October 9 election, are expected to culminate in a march on Maputo on Thursday. Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume warned that the military stands ready to intervene against any attempts to seize power.
