South Africa Shuts Key Border with Mozambique Amid...

South Africa Shuts Key Border with Mozambique Amid Escalating Election Protests

Zim Now Writer

South Africa has temporarily shut down its main border crossing with Mozambique, citing safety concerns amidst escalating protests over last month’s contested election in Mozambique.

The closure affects the Lebombo port of entry in Mpumalanga province, following reports of vehicles being set on fire on the Mozambican side, according to South Africa’s government news agency.

"Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice," said Michael Masiapato, the commissioner of the Border Management Authority, on Tuesday night.

He assured that the Lebombo crossing would be reopened as soon as it is deemed safe.

The ongoing protests in Mozambique have followed a week-long demonstration campaign led by presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who officially came second in the October 9 election but claims he was the rightful winner.

The demonstrations are expected to peak in a “national shutdown” and a march on the capital, Maputo, scheduled for Thursday.

So far, at least 10 people have died, and many have been injured as protestors burned tires, blocked roads, and marched to offices of the ruling Frelimo party.

Security forces have responded with tear gas, live ammunition, and internet restrictions, according to human rights groups.