Orrin Singh7 November 2024 | 9:41

Situation remains tense on Mozambican side of Lebombo border post

The military has been patrolling the streets as unrest is expected to intensify on Thursday following demonstrations against the FRELIMO ruling party.

Situation remains tense on Mozambican side of Lebombo border post

Border Management Authority officials monitor the the Lebombo border post following unrest on the Mozambican side of the border on 6 November 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN

MPUMALANGA - The situation on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo border post remains tense in the wake of protests against election results.

The military has been patrolling the streets as unrest is expected to intensify on Thursday following demonstrations against the FRELIMO ruling party.

The opposition claims the country's elections were rigged in September.

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Shards of glass and damaged vehicles could be seen at the Lebombo border post between South Africa and Mozambique.

The military was swooping in and out of the Mpumalanga border post as gunfire could be heard going off in the distance just a few kilometres from the border. 

On Thursday, this port of entry, which is usually bustling, resembled a ghost town as much of the infrastructure had been destroyed by protesters.

On Wednesday night, the Mozambican government deployed the army in a bid to quell tensions, and it’s a job they are not taking lightly, as teams could be seen racing through the streets constantly in and out of the border post. 

Some citizens have relayed their mistrust in the governing party, claiming their more than 50-year rule has brought them nothing but poverty.