South Africa shuts border crossing with Mozambique over poll unrest
South Africa has closed one of its busiest border crossings with Mozambique following violent post-electoral protests in the neighbouring country.
The protests have led to deadly clashes in several cities following last month’s disputed presidential election, won by Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party.
The authorities say there are reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo port of entry.
“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” the South African border agency said.
South African police also fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at Mozambicans trying to enter the country through the Lebombo border, according to the News24 site.
Lebombo, one of the four busiest land ports in southern Africa, is about 110km (68 miles) from Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, and about 440km from South Africa’s capital of Pretoria.
Travellers have been advised to use alternative crossing points between the two countries.
—BBC
