South Africa has temporarily shut down its main border crossing with Mozambique due to safety issues, according to the country’s border authority on Wednesday, as protests against last month’s contested election in Mozambique continue to intensify.
Human rights organisations report that at least 18 individuals have lost their lives in the protests, as supporters of the opposition rally against what they allege to be a fraudulent electoral victory by Frelimo, the ruling party in Mozambique since 1975.
In response, security forces responded by firing tear gas and live ammunition, while the government has imposed restrictions on internet access, threatening to deploy the military.
South Africa has closed the Lebombo port of entry located in its Mpumalanga province after reports emerged of vehicles being set on fire on the Mozambican side, as stated by the authority in an email to Reuters.
“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” it said, adding that seven Mozambican officials had requested refuge in South Africa for safety and protection.
An SABC reporter shared a video on X showing a long line of trucks waiting to cross the border.
The recent demonstrations in Mozambique are part of a series of protests organised by presidential contender Venancio Mondlane, who finished second in the official count for the October 9 election but claims that he actually won.
The electoral commission has refused to respond to the allegations of fraud, and Frelimo has not answered any questions.
The protests are expected to culminate in a march towards the capital, Maputo, on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume stated that the military was prepared to intervene and cautioned against any attempts to seize power.
According to the Mozambican Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, police violence has resulted in the deaths of 24 individuals. Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado informed Reuters that she has confirmed 18 fatalities so far but suspects that the actual number is higher.