The Lebombo Border 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 were said to be locked in meetings in an attempt to find solutions to the ongoing instability at the border.
However, SARS’s spokesperson, Siphiti Sibeko, managed to briefly speak to this publication 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 who spoke on condition of anonymity said things were quiet on the South African side today, as opposed 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.
ALSO READ: Heavy traffic congestion at Lebombo Border as political unrest persists in Mozambique
A 49-year-old Mozambican national was arrested on the South African side of the border on Wednesday, November 6, for public violence. According to a provincial police spokesperson, Captain Magonseni Nkosi, the suspect parked his minibus taxi in front of the gate at the border.
@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
“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.
ALSO READ: No more Lebombo Border agony – BMA
Vehicles were torched while buildings were vandalised. A policeman stationed at the border confirmed cases of looting at the Four Kilometre offices.
In a video seen by Lowvelder, apparently taken on Wednesday 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 roads were also blocked with debris.
@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 > Video: Circulating on social media
Meanwhile, the situation remains unstable and unpredictable in Mozambique, especially in Maputo and Maputo Province.
The protests are over the October 9 general election results in Mozambique that were marred with allegations of rigging.
