Lebombo border remains closed as officials assess situation

NATIONAL NEWS - While it remains officially closed to motorists and cargo trucks due to ongoing unrest and demonstrations in Mozambique, officials at the Lebombo Border Post have begun allowing only pedestrians to cross the border to Mozambique.

Some Mozambicans have been appealing to officials to at least let them go home, as they have been stuck there since the border closed yesterday afternoon.

Pedestrians permitted

“We are only allowing pedestrians and empty trucks returning into the country to pass. The border is still closed for cars wanting to go to Mozambique until further notice,” said one of the officers who wished to remain anonymous.

The unrest, sparked by the country’s contentious general election results announced last week, led to the closure of the border on both the South African and Mozambican sides.

The Mozambicans’ demonstrations had been peaceful until an immigration officer allegedly shot one of the protesters, inciting conflict that resulted in two immigration department cars and a truck being torched.

Mozambican officials reportedly slept in their cars parked on the South African side, attempting to flee from protesters who allegedly damaged their office. They were able to leave the scene after spending the night.

Empty trucks allowed

South African officials on the ground have permitted over 100 empty trucks to return from Mozambique.

“We are allowing the trucks to return, but the ones waiting to cross over to Mozambique with cargo will have to wait until the situation has calmed. We don’t know how long this will take, but all law enforcers are here, and we are watching the situation,” the anonymous officer added.

The official also emphasised that they are ready to work should the immigration offices reopen. “We have no issues at all; we are ready to stamp the passports, but we cannot work if our counterparts are not. As soon as they open, we will also resume operations.”

Concerns and support

Among those affected by the border post’s closure are some Mozambicans whose asylums expire today. “I came all the way from Johannesburg and requested time off work so I could have my passport stamped. I am worried about what will happen to me, because my asylum expires today and there’s nothing happening here,” one Mozambican citizen, who wished not to be named, told Lowvelder.

Some of the stuck Mozambicans have expressed dissatisfaction over being unable to return home but say they support the protesters.

“This is a revolution, and there will be casualties. We understand why they are doing this. If the government feels the pinch, surely they will be forced to change their ways. I am unhappy that we have been stuck here since yesterday, and it’s indefinite, but a luta continua [the struggle continues],” said one.

Pedestrians are being permitted through the border. Photos: Sesane Mabuza