By South African authorities closed the strategic Lebombo border crossing with Mozambique Wednesday as post-election violence in the neighboring country escalated, with protesters torching vehicles and buildings near the frontier.
The Lebombo post, one of southern Africa’s four busiest land crossings located 110 kilometers from Maputo and 440 kilometers from Pretoria, was shuttered after security incidents spilled toward the border zone. South African police deployed rubber bullets and stun grenades to prevent unauthorized crossings as tension mounted.
“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” South Africa’s border agency announced. Michael Masiapato, Border Management Authority Commissioner, confirmed violence had reached Ressano Garcia near the crossing, though the South African side remained secure.
The unrest stems from disputed October elections where Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo claimed victory with 71% of the vote. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who received 20%, went into hiding after his aide and lawyer were killed while preparing electoral challenges. The violence has claimed at least 18 lives according to Human Rights Watch.
“Some buildings have been set alight. At the moment we are working on securing the Lebombo border as well as travellers’ safety,” Masiapato said. Reports indicate protesters burned a Mozambican immigration office, while seven Mozambican officials sought refuge on South African territory.
South African authorities have mobilized police and military forces to prevent violence from crossing the border. The situation remains volatile as Mondlane’s supporters maintain a general strike despite government demands to return to work. Mozambique’s Defence Minister CristĂłvĂŁo Chume threatened military deployment ahead of planned Thursday protests, claiming demonstrators aimed “to change the democratically established power.”
The border closure forces travelers to seek alternative crossings between the nations as authorities grapple with one of the most serious political crises in Mozambique’s recent history. The government has restricted internet and social media access as protests continue despite official warnings.
