While it remains officially closed to motorists and cargo trucks due to ongoing unrest and demonstrations in Mozambique, officials at the Lebombo Border Post have began the process of allowing only pedestrians to cross the border to Mozambique.

Some Mozambicans have been appealing to the officials to at least allow them to go home as they had been stuck there since the border closed yesterday afternoon, November 5.

“We are only allowing pedestrians and empty trucks returning into the country to pass. The border is still closed for cars wanting to go to Mozambique until further notice,” said one of the officers, who wished to remain anonymous.

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The unrest, which was sparked by the country’s contentious general election’s results, announced last week, led to the closure of the border on both the South African and Mozambican sides on Tuesday afternoon.

The Mozambicans’ demonstrations had been peaceful until an immigration officer allegedly shot one of the protesters, inciting conflict that resulted in two immigration department cars and a truck being torched.

Mozambican officials had to sleep in their cars parked on the South African side, in an attempt to flee from protesters who also allegedly damaged their office. They were reportedly able to leave the scene after having spent the night.

South African officials on the ground, however, have permitted over 100 empty trucks to return from Mozambique.

“We are allowing the trucks to return, but the ones waiting to cross over to Mozambique with cargo will have to wait until the situation has calmed. We don’t know how long this will take, but all law enforcers are here and we are watching the situation,” the anonymous officer added.

The official also emphasised that they are ready to work should the immigration offices open. “We have no issues at all, we are ready to stamp the passports, but we cannot work if our counterparts are not. As soon as they open, we will also resume operations.”

Among those affected by the border post’s closure are some Mozambicans whose asylums are expiring today. “I came all the way from Johannesburg and requested time off work so I could have my passport stamped. I am worried about what will happen to me, because my asylum expires today and there’s nothing happening here,” one Mozambican citizen, who wished not to be named, told the publication.

Some of the stuck Mozambicans have expressed dissatisfaction over being unable to return home, but say they are in support of the protesters.

“This is a revolution and there will be casualties. We understand why they are doing this. If the government feels the pinch, surely they will be forced to change their ways. I am unhappy that we have been stuck here since yesterday and it’s indefinite, but a luta continua,” said one.