The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) has ramped up security at the border between South Africa and Mozambique, as post-election riots continue.
Mozambique has been experiencing unrest after Frelimo, which is the governing party, was declared the winner of the disputed October elections.
The protests have since intensified after the country’s apex court upheld the party’s victory.
There have been growing calls for calm, including from SADC and the United Nations, as hundreds of people have already lost their lives while others were injured.
As a response to concerns of an influx of refugees, particularly the nearly 6 000 inmates who broke out of a prison in Maputo, the security agency says collaborative efforts between the two nations are ongoing.
“Both nations are leveraging their strong diplomatic ties to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to restore order and enhance security in the affected regions,” said the Deputy National Police Commissioner responsible for policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.
In addition, Mosikili said the aim of the operation is to prevent possible criminality which may occur during and after the protests.
The continuation of the violence and stoppage of operations at the Lebombo port of entry in Mpumalanga are predicted to impact South Africa’s economy negatively.
