SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa has closed one of its busiest border crossings with Mozambique following violent post-electoral protests in the neighbouring country.
The protests have led to deadly clashes in several cities following last month’s disputed presidential election, won by Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party.
Authorities say there are reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo port of entry.
“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” the South African border agency said.
ALSO READ: Kamala Harris under pressure as her path to victory narrows
Lebombo, one of the four busiest land ports in southern Africa, is about 110 km (68 miles) from Mozambique’s capital Maputo, and about 440 km (273 miles) from South Africa’s capital of Pretoria.
Travellers have been advised to use alternative crossing points between the two countries.
Violence has spread to Ressano Garcia, a small area in Maputo province, near Lebombo, said Michael Masiapato, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) commissioner.
Mr Masiapato said the South African side was not affected, but safety measures needed to be taken.
Comments are closed.