Following the election unrest in Mozambique, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr. Michael Masiapato, has ordered for the Lebombo port of entry to be closed indefinitely.

Lebombo border right now in mozambique bcoz of their election pic.twitter.com/asbaZbPs0r

— SELLO (@Sell0zeto) November 5, 2024

SECURITY RISK

Masiapato is said to have received reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo Port of Entry and because of these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port will be made inaccessible until further notice. "We made this decision to ensure the safety of all cross-border transporters, travellers, traders and officials operating at the port." The BMA is coordinating closely with Mozambican authorities and South African law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation and work towards reopening the port as soon as it is safe to do so," said Masiapato.

TRAVELLING HALTED

Masiapato advised all stakeholders to suspend travel through Lebombo Port until further notice. In a statement, he advised travellers to use alternative routes to Mozambique until the situation in the neighbouring country is stabilised. "All South African officials are on the ground, assisting seven officials from the Mozambican side who have requested refuge on the South African side for safety and protection," he said. He added that the BMA and its counterparts are working to urgently address the situation and that they appreciate the cooperation they are receiving. On Tuesday, ZiMoja reported that leading opposition leader Venancio Mondlane said he is hiding in South Africa following the assassination of his party senior leader and his lawyer last month after the elections. Mondlane went into hiding about two weeks ago in the porsh surburb of Sandton in Johannesburg and said there was also an attempt on his life.