By Johnathan Paoli
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has temporarily closed the Lebombo border crossing point with Mozambique due to ongoing violent protests in the neighbouring country.
BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said the closure, which took effect on Tuesday morning, followed disturbances at the Ressano Garcia border town in Mozambique, where protesters set vehicles on fire and clashed with security forces.
The protests erupted in the aftermath of the country’s presidential elections held early last month, where the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, won 70.7% of the vote.
While the victory was officially declared, opposition groups have accused Frelimo of electoral fraud, including allegations of vote rigging and the presence of so-called “ghost voters”; fuelling widespread anger, and leading to violent demonstrations in several cities, including Maputo.
Mogotsi said the situation at the Lebombo border escalated overnight as protesters stormed the port of entry, setting alight several vehicles and
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