Videos: Lebombo Port of Entry remains closed as meetings continue

The Lebombo Port of Entry remains closed despite yesterday’s information that light motor vehicles were allowed to pass through, into and from Mozambique.

This has had a ripple effect on business and tourism.

Border management officials are reportedly locked in meetings to find solutions to the ongoing instability at the border. SARS spokesperson Siphiti Sibeko managed to briefly speak to Lowvelder despite the ongoing meetings.

“The Lebombo Port of Entry remains closed at the moment. This was decided for the safety of individuals who might otherwise find themselves in violent situations over the border,” Sibeko said.

Another border official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said things were quiet on the South African side today, compared to yesterday. “Although the situation was tense yesterday as the [South African] police clashed with a group of people believed to be Mozambican nationals on the South African side, the situation is calm today,” he said.

@lowvelder The Lebombo Border Post remains closed while officials are locked in meetings to forge a way forward. Empty trucks from Mozambique are allowed entry back into the country. Officials on the ground have confirmed that they are yet to make a decision on whether the Mozambican nationals stuck at the BP fuel station should be allowed to return back home. #lebombo #border #election2024 #mozambique🇲🇿 #mozambique #komatipoort ♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

Mozambican arrested

A 49-year-old Mozambican national was arrested on the South African side of the border yesterday, for public violence. According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Magonseni Nkosi, the suspect parked his minibus taxi in front of the gate at the border.

“When the police reprimanded him, he allegedly locked himself inside his taxi. It is alleged that some other people, believed to be Mozambican nationals, backed their countryman. The police had to use rubber bullets to disperse the people who were causing disorder. No injuries were reported,” said Nkosi.

Vehicles were torched, and buildings were vandalised. A policeman stationed at the border confirmed cases of looting at the Four Kilometre offices.

@lowvelder There are continuous protest actions on various parts of the TracN4 Toll Route in Mozambique. Operations are at a standstill at the Ressano Garcia Border Post tonight, November 5. #TrackN4 advised road users to avoid the border where possible, and to drive with caution. #lebombo #Mozambique #MozambiqueElections ♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

Unpredictable situation

In a video seen by Lowvelder, apparently taken last night, thick clouds of black smoke can be seen billowing from the Mozambican side of the border as throngs of people make their way across into South Africa. Some roads were also blocked with debris.

Meanwhile, the situation remains unstable and unpredictable in Mozambique, especially in Maputo and Maputo Province. The border management have asked travellers to use alternative routes to and from Mozambique.

The protests are over the October 9 general election results in Mozambique, which were marred by allegations of rigging.