Riot police look on as protesters burn tyres after Mozambique's ruling party, FRELIMO, retains power in contested election in Maputo, Mozambique. | REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko.
Durban — As the unrest in Mozambique escalates, South African truck drivers find themselves in a state of limbo at the Lebombo border post, grappling with uncertainty as they await a resolution to the unfolding impasse.
The South African government, recognising the seriousness of the situation, has deployed Sydney Mufamadi, the former minister of police, as a special envoy to engage with Mozambican leaders amid this volatile time.
Truck driver Simon Kubheka, from Unitrans, voiced his frustration.
“We are stuck. We don’t know what to do now. We spent Christmas stuck here and we are now heading into the new year, still here.
“We just hope that this unrest ends amicably,” he said.
Many other drivers are also facing the same plight.
The recent upheaval follows the Mozambique Constitutional Court’s validation of the ruling Frelimo Party’s election victory under President Daniel Chapo, sparking civil unrest in support of opposition figure Venancio Mondlane of the Podemo Party. These protests have resulted in chaotic demonstrations across the country, raising tensions.
Another driver, Richard Dlamini, voiced a collective concern, saying, “I hope that this ends soon so that we can work and provide for our families.
“We are pleading with the government authorities to help resolve this crisis in Mozambique.”
His sentiments echo the fears of many as they are left in precarious situations, both economically and logistically.
The South African government has been monitoring the situation closely. A statement from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) expressed concerns over the ongoing protests, noting reports of inmates escaping from a maximum-security prison amid the chaos.
With over 6 000 prisoners reportedly fleeing amid the protests, there are rising anxieties concerning security on both sides of the border.
In response to these developments, NatJoints has intensified operations along the South Africa-Mozambique border to combat potential opportunistic crimes that could arise due to the unrest.
The South African government is in active discussions with Mozambique to foster a resolution, reinforcing the importance of bilateral ties and co-operative measures aimed at restoring order and ensuring safety in the region.
The DA spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, has raised alarms over reports of violence and human rights violations affecting South African interests and citizens in Mozambique.
“These incidents raise fears of the imminent collapse of the social order,” Aucamp said, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Leaders such as the Patriotic Alliance’s Gayton McKenzie have expressed concerns over the matter, warning the government to tighten border security between South Africa and Mozambique.
“We have to be cautious as a country and continue to protect our borders so that South Africans are safe. As the Patriotic Alliance (PA) we will continue to advocate for safer borders in our country,” said McKenzie.
As tensions mount, the South African government has urged citizens to remain calm, avoiding the spread of unverified information that could exacerbate the situation.
Authorities say they are diligently monitoring developments and will provide updates to reflect the ongoing status of security and diplomatic engagements.
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