The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) has intensified its operations along the South Africa-Mozambique border to prevent and combat any opportunistic crimes that may arise because of unrest in neighbouring Mozambique.

The escape of 1 500 prisoners from a maximum-security prison in Maputo on Christmas day, has ‘raised apprehensions among South African citizens regarding the potential cross-border implications’. “South Africa remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and upholding regional stability,” confirms a press statement released by NatJoints.

South Africa is engaging with its Mozambican counterparts to explore solutions to end the unrest and has committed itself to supporting Mozambique in restoring peace and stability.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent Prof Sydney Mufamadi as a special envoy to engage with the various stakeholders.

Frontline phase may be postponed

The ‘frontline phase’ of protests by the Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos) may be postponed for five days.

In a Facebook Live announcement yesterday afternoon, Podemos leader Venâncio Mondlane said he had received a five-day ‘tolerance/grace request’ from international organisations to allow them to visit the country and investigate crimes and other burning unrest-related issues. Humanitarian organisations will use this time to help treat the wounded and assist people in need.

Mondlane said he would take the lead from his followers and asked them to respond to the call, either on Facebook or email, before his scheduled announcement later today.

“We are not going back down. This is our country,” Mondlane stated.

Elections to choose administrative leaders

Mondlane remained adamant that he would be inaugurated as the newly elected president on January 15. He said the population will have the right to elect their own administrative leaders through ballot elections on January 6 and 7.

Part of his grand plan involves creating a new flag and national identity by removing the existing weaponry from the current flag. He has invited designers to submit proposals for new flag designs, with a prize of 5 000 dollars awarded to the winning entry. Mondlane also announced that street and avenue names that are not representative of Mozambique will be changed.

In various towns, Podemos’ supporters have started removing symbols and flags at government institutions. Mondlane said he aimed to suspend all current government institutions and create a new constitution.

Watch: Podemos supporters have started removing symbols and flags of the Frelimo government. Video: Facebook/P4tinho Invisível: