By Everson Luhanga
Scenes from South Africa’s neighbouring Mozambique have forced the Lebombo border post to temporarily close.
Earlier in Boane, Maputo Province, angry residents removed the statue of President Filipe Nyusi. The head of the statue was separated from the body, and residents began walking around the neighbourhood with parts of the statue.
There has been a huge police presence in different parts of the country, especially in the capital city, Maputo.
Other reports on Tuesday emerged that the Ressano Garcia border post between Mozambique and South Africa was on fire after an immigration officer allegedly shot a civilian.
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA) in South Africa, Dr Michael Masiapato, has received reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo Port of Entry.
Dr Masiapato said that due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice.
He said the decision was made to ensure the safety of all cross-border transporters, travellers, traders, and officials operating at the port.
He said 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.
“We advise all stakeholders to suspend travel through the Lebombo Port until further notice. Alternative routes to Mozambique must be used where feasible until the situation has stabilised,” said Dr Masiapato.
He said all South African officials are on the ground providing assistance, with seven officials from the Mozambican side having requested refuge on the South African side for safety and protection.
“The BMA and its counterparts are working urgently to address the situation, and we appreciate the cooperation we are receiving at the moment,” he added.
Dr Masiapato added that the BMA and SARS will continue to provide real-time updates through official channels and notify stakeholders as soon as the port is deemed safe for reopening.
This is a developing story.
Pictured above: The statue of President Filipe Nyusi that was destroyed in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo.
Source: X
