Lebombo Border temporarily closed as Mozambican protests flare up
Road users are advised to suspend travel between the two countries until the situation is stabilised.
The Lebombo Border Post is temporarily closed, from November 5, until further notice.
This follows reports, received by the commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, regarding vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the border.
Lebombo border in mozambique right now pic.twitter.com/foNzvXOOBD
— SELLO (@Sell0zeto) November 5, 2024
“This decision was made to ensure the safety of all cross-border transporters, travellers, traders and officials operating at the port. The BMA is co-ordinating closely with Mozambican authorities and South African law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation and work towards reopening the port as soon as it is safe to do so.
South African officials are on the ground providing assistance with seven officials from Mozambique having requested refuge on the South African side for safety and protection.
“We advise all stakeholders to suspend travel through Lebombo Port until further notice. Alternative routes to Mozambique must be used where feasible at the moment until the situation has stabilised,” Masiapato said.
The Lebombo Border Post was interrupted in the afternoon of Tuesday, 5 November 2024. It is reported that the ongoing unrests in Mozambique have forced some Mozambican boarder employees to escape to the South African side for their safety. #LokuhleFM pic.twitter.com/BTllUGUFZ8
— Lokuhle FM (@LokuhleFM) November 5, 2024
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“South African officials are on the ground providing assistance with seven officials from Mozambique having requested refuge on the South African side for safety and protection. The BMA and its counterparts are working urgently to address the situation, and we are appreciating the co-operation we are receiving at the moment.”
Lebombo border right now in mozambique bcoz of their election pic.twitter.com/asbaZbPs0r
— SELLO (@Sell0zeto) November 5, 2024
An alternative route that could be accessed into Mozambique is via the Mananga Border Post into eSwatini and then Lomahashe Border Post into Mozambique.
