South African (SA) police officers opened fire on Mozambican nationals with rubber bullets in an effort to disperse the rowdy crowd at the border on Wednesday.
Mpumalanga spokesperson, Captain Magonseni Nkosi, said a 49-year-old Mozambican man was arrested for public violence.
Nkosi said the man had parked his taxi in front of the gate at the port of entry and when police reprimanded him, he locked himself inside his taxi.
“It is alleged that other people around, believed to be Mozambican nationals backed their countryman and police had to use rubber bullets to disperse people who were causing disorder,” said Nkosi.
Nkosi added that no injuries were reported.
“The taxi driver was arrested for public violence and situation was brought under control and no incidents reported thereafter.
“Police are monitoring the situation,” said Nkosi.
Meanwhile, the busy Lebombo port of entry, bordering SA and Mozambique, has been temporarily closed due to safety concerns in the neighbouring country.
The vast southern African nation has been rocked by violent clashes and protests in several cities following the disputed October 9 presidential election.
Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato said he had received 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,” according to BMA spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi.
She said the decision was made to ensure the safety of all cross-border transporters, travellers, traders and officials operating at the port of entry.
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