On November 7, 2024, tensions rose in Mozambique's capital Maputo as police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had gathered after the main opposition leader called for election results. (Photo by Alfred Zuniga/AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa on Thursday once again closed its borders with Lebombo and Mozambique as post-election violence continues to sweep the country.
Border Management Agency (BMA) spokesperson Mmeme Mogosi said: “It was reopened but due to the increased threat on the ground we have closed it again.”
He added that border authorities are assisting South Africans who wish to leave Mozambique to return home.
“Some of them have been there long before the election, and we help guide them safely.”
The border was temporarily closed on Tuesday after protesters set a truck on fire and destroyed infrastructure on the Mozambican side.
The BMA confirmed that several Mozambican officials had requested evacuation to the South African side.
Mozambique's Defense Minister Cristovan Tume reportedly threatened to send in the military to restore peace, saying the constitutional order was under threat.
At least 11 people have been killed since violence erupted after the Frelimo party, in power since independence in 1975, won a landslide victory in elections on October 24 and 25. Opposition parties claim the poll was rigged to give Frelimo's Daniel Chapo more than 70% of the vote.
Venancio Mondlane, a charismatic Podemo candidate who defected from the main opposition party Renamo, had an approval rating of about 20%. He went into hiding before the results were announced and said his lawyer and aides were killed as they prepared to challenge the results.
The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation issued a travel warning for Mozambique on Wednesday.
“Given the current security situation in Mozambique, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation encourages all South African nationals to postpone non-essential visits to Mozambique until further notice,” the department said.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola met with his Mozambican counterpart Veronica Macamo and “reviewed the security situation in Mozambique,” his office said in a statement.
“South Africa expresses concern at the outbreak of post-election violence and deplores the loss of life and destruction of property.
“We reiterate the clarion call of Mozambique's various leaders for law enforcement to swiftly investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Lamola appealed for calm to end the electoral process and give Mozambique's Constitutional Court time to verify the results.
