The Border Management Authority (BMA) temporarily shut down South Africa’s Lebombo Border Post on Tuesday night amid escalating violent protests in Mozambique.
Demonstrators have been setting fire to buildings and vehicles, disrupting operations at Ressano Garcia, a Mozambican town near the port of entry.
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Lebombo Border Post Temporary Following Violent Protests in Mozambique
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato confirmed the closure, explaining that while the South African side remains unaffected, safety measures were necessary.
“Some buildings have been set alight. At the moment we are working on securing the Lebombo border as well as the safety of all cross-border transporters, travellers, traders, and officials operating at the port. The border will be closed,” he said Tuesday night.
Masiapato revealed that seven Mozambican police officers had sought refuge at the South African side of the border and are being assisted by South African security personnel. Although deaths have been reported, South African authorities could not confirm casualties at this stage.
The BMA is coordinating closely with Mozambican authorities and South African law enforcement to monitor the unrest and ensure the safe reopening of the border when possible.
“We advise all stakeholders to suspend travel through Lebombo port until further notice. Alternative routes to Mozambique must be used where feasible at the moment until the situation has stabilised,” said Masiapato.
The Post-Election Skirmishes
Violent Protests in Mozambique Force Temporary Closure of Lebombo Border Post [Image: Reuters]The protests erupted in late October after Mozambique’s disputed election results were announced. The ruling party, Frelimo, retained power with its candidate Daniel Chapo winning 71% of the vote, a count that opposition groups have criticised. The unrest spread to Ressano Garcia on Tuesday evening, with protesters storming the port and reportedly setting guard houses and vehicles ablaze.
In Maputo, tensions are running high, and residents fear a major shutdown protest planned for Thursday. A South African living in Maputo, who requested anonymity, described the situation as increasingly volatile:
“The situation is very tense. Protests have been breaking out everywhere in Maputo. No day has been spared since the elections.“
Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume has threatened military intervention, warning that “violent demonstrations are sowing hatred between brothers, destroying infrastructure and showing how divided we are.” The opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has dubbed Thursday’s planned demonstration “the day of Mozambique’s freedom,” sparking further concerns over security.