Mozambique protests: Lebombo Border Post partially open
Political unrest over election results in Mozambique has caused South African authorities to remain on alert and issue travel warnings.
Middelburg motorists are urged to avoid the Lebombo Border Post after a week-long series of violent protests erupted across Mozambique, despite the border crossing’s partial opening.
The Middelburg Observer contacted the Lebombo Border Post who stated, that currently, the border crossing is partially open, allowing only travellers returning home to pass through.
As one of the busiest and most prominent ports of entry into Mozambique, the Lebombo border crossing is the most often used means of entrance to Mozambique by local drivers.
Officials have confirmed that vehicles have been burnt on the Mozambican side of the border crossing, with police provincial spokesperson Captain Magonseni Nkosi confirming that a 49-year-old taxi driver was arrested for public violence yesterday.
The man is believed to have parked his vehicle in front of the port of entry, locking himself inside the vehicle once police reprimanded him.
It is alleged that a group of Mozambican nationals supported the man, resulting in police using rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
According to Nkosi, no injuries were reported and no further incidents were reported thereafter.
Local travellers are now advised to use alternate ports to enter Mozambique, such as the Mananga Border Post into eSwatini and the Lomahasha Border Post into Mozambique, if necessary.
However, Mpumalanga’s Community Safety, Security and Liaison Department have advised that people should delay their trips to Mozambique.
It must be noted that the Border Management Authority said they will remain on high alert, as violence is expected to continue following the nation’s controversial election results.
Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party was officially declared the winner of the national election with over 71% of the vote, the legitimacy of this outcome was called into question by the populace, resulting in nationwide protests.
Shocking videos of the unrest have been shared across social media, showcasing the chaos that has engulfed our neighbouring country.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 18 people have been killed and it is believed that over 100 people have been injured.
• A WhatsApp voice note has been circulating, where a man states his truck was set on fire, with looters allegedly making off with 27 tonnes of fish.
He also states that the driver of the truck told him an immigration office was also set on fire.
Do you have information on a news story you think we should cover?
Please send an email to our News Editor at daleen@mobserver.co.za or phone us on 072 248 3855.
To keep updated and informed on all the latest Middelburg news, visit our official social media pages:
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
