South Africa, Zimbabwe: Protests reported in Musina May 12

Event

Service-delivery protests occurred in Musina, Limpopo Province the morning of May 12. Protesters blocked several roads, including the N1 highway between Musina and the Beitbridge border post, which is a key crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe. There are also unconfirmed reports of looting in Musina. Police have deployed to break up the protests and clear roads; as of 13:30, it is unclear if protest action persists. Participants were protesting a lack of water; the town has been without water for several days.

Police will almost certainly remain deployed to protest sites and on the N1 highway towards Beitbridge and could disperse unruly gatherings. Further protests are possible in the coming days. Cross-border ground transport disruptions, particularly to commercial cargo vehicles, are possible at the Beitbridge border May 12 and in the coming days if protests persist. Officials will almost certainly increase security in the area to manage queues and the movement of vehicles.

Advice

Avoid all protests in Musina. Depart the area immediately if a crowd gathers or at the first sign of confrontation. Heed instructions of local officials. Plan for disruptions if traveling or shipping cargo through Beitbridge. Reconfirm the status of the crossing before departure.