Mpumalanga police fire rubber bullets at group of Mozambicans trying to cross border

JOHANNESBURG – Police in Mpumalanga were forced to fire rubber bullets and stun grenades at a group of unruly Mozambican nationals attempting to cross the Lebombo border post on Wednesday. 

On Tuesday, South Africa temporarily closed the border with Mozambique following widespread civil unrest in the neighbouring country. 

Tensions continue to escalate following allegations of election rigging.

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Presidential elections were held in Mozambique on 9 October, with the country’s Frelimo party declared outright winners with 71% majority votes. 

Mozambican political analyst, Wilker Dias, said protest action was expected to intensify on Thursday. 

“For tomorrow, the most part of Mozambican people are very motivated to participate in these protests. It will be one big action for the history [of Mozambique]. Most of Mozambicans say they will give their lives to save their people and save the democracy of Mozambique.”