South African police fire rubber bullets at Mozambicans trying to cross into SA through the Lebombo border post – News24

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South African police fire rubber bullets at Mozambicans trying to cross into SA through the Lebombo border post – News24

8:10 CAT | 07 Nov 2024

Image: @Am_Blujay

The South African police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades

South African police officers opened fire on Mozambican nationals with rubber bullets and stun grenades on Wednesday.

This after they tried to force their way into the Lebombo port of entry in Mpumalanga.

A group of Mozambicans, some consuming liquor, chanted outside the border gate. They pushed it open, forcing the police to retaliate.

Several people were arrested.

Tensions surfaced on Wednesday morning after Border Management Authority (BMA) officials told a group of Mozambicans in SA who were at the border that while they could enter Mozambique, they would not be allowed back.

This was because there were no Mozambican authorities at the border post who could stamp their passports.

Some among the crowd refused to enter the border, saying they only wanted to visit Mozambique for a few hours and return to SA.

While the group initially complied with the BMA, around 14:00 on Wednesday they grew restless and began chanting the Mozambican national anthem.

About 30 minutes later, they began pushing against the border gate.

They hurled insults at the police as they pushed against the border gate, prompting SAPS to fire rubber bullets and stun grenades. The group pelted police with stones before several people were arrested.

Looting

Several Mozambicans who attempted to enter South Africa were also stopped by SA officials. They complained that the situation had worsened in Mozambique and said they feared for their lives.

Some border officials from Mozambique were seen hiding near the border fence as people freely walked into the country.

Speaking to News24 at the border post, Mozambican national Paul Mthembu said unruly young people “are leading the riots” in the country.

“They are running amok, destroying properties. Their protest is unled. People do as they please. On Tuesday night, they looted and torched trucks heading to South Africa.

“They protested throughout the night. The majority are under the influence of alcohol. Trucks, shops and alcohol warehouses were also looted. A truck has been placed across the road leaving the Mozambican border to prevent cars [from driving through],” he said.

Mthembu added that since Wednesday morning, rioters have attacked trucks and business properties in Mozambique.

“The police have gone into hiding. Only a few soldiers are seen driving around Mozambique. Things are expected to escalate further on Thursday,” Mthembu added.

Armando Makhura was among those prevented from entering SA. He also said looting had worsened in Mozambique.

Makhura said he feared that more lives would be lost if the Mozambican government doesn’t restore calm in the country.

South African police officers used rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse a group of Mozambican nationals who attempted to force their way into the Lebombo port of entry in Mpumalanga on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/cAXlcOtL9h

— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) November 6, 2024