South African Police Use Rubber Bullets to Control Mozambican Crowd Trying To Enter The Country At The Lebombo Border Post
Tensions reached a boiling point at the Lebombo Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, when South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were forced to open fire on a large group of Mozambican nationals attempting to forcibly cross into South Africa. The police used rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse the crowd after they grew aggressive and started pushing against the border gate. The crowd, many of whom were intoxicated, chanted outside the border and hurled insults at officers before resorting to throwing stones.
The Border Standoff
The situation escalated after Border Management Authority (BMA) officials informed the group that although they could travel into Mozambique, they would not be allowed to return to South Africa as no Mozambican authorities were present to process their passports. The group initially complied, but by early afternoon, frustration mounted. Around 14:00, protesters began chanting the Mozambican national anthem, before violently pushing the gates open, prompting a swift police response.
The standoff lasted several hours, resulting in multiple arrests and the use of force by SAPS to regain control of the situation. This incident comes amid rising tensions in Mozambique, where there have been reports of widespread looting, arson, and civil unrest.
Looting and Civil Unrest in Mozambique
Mozambican nationals, including those at the border, have expressed growing concerns about the situation back home. Paul Mthembu, a Mozambican witness at the scene, explained that youth-led riots in Mozambique have become a widespread issue. Looting and violent protests have ravaged parts of the country, with trucks, shops, and even alcohol warehouses being targeted. Mthembu also noted that much of the unrest had been fueled by alcohol, and the lack of coordinated leadership among the protesters made the situation even more volatile.
Reports from Mozambique indicate that protesters have continued to target businesses and trucks in the past 24 hours, while local police have retreated or gone into hiding. “The majority are under the influence of alcohol,” Mthembu said. “A truck has been placed across the road leading out of Mozambique, preventing vehicles from passing through.”
Concerns for Public Safety
The unrest in Mozambique has left many residents, including those at the border, fearful for their safety. Mozambican national Armando Makhura, who was among those unable to cross into South Africa, voiced concerns over the escalating violence. He warned that unless the situation is swiftly addressed by the Mozambican government, the unrest could result in more loss of life.
South Africa’s Response
On the South African side, the tension at the Lebombo Border Post is indicative of broader issues relating to border security and cross-border immigration. With many Mozambicans seeking refuge in South Africa due to worsening conditions at home, the border area has become a focal point of frustration.
South African authorities have expressed concern over the rising number of undocumented crossings and have vowed to continue reinforcing security measures at the border. However, incidents like this highlight the strain on law enforcement and the delicate balance between managing national security and humanitarian concerns.
The incident at the Lebombo Border Post reflects the growing tension between Mozambique and South Africa, fueled by the violence and unrest in Mozambique. While the SAPS response was swift, the situation remains unresolved, and the fear of further escalation is palpable. As the unrest continues to spiral in Mozambique, South African authorities must prepare for more potential disruptions at the border. For now, it is clear that the tensions between the two nations are far from over, and the situation will require careful monitoring as it develops.
