South Africa has closed one of its busiest border crossings with Mozambique following violent post-election protests in the neighboring country.

Protests have sparked deadly clashes in several cities following disputed presidential elections won by Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party last month.

Authorities say there are reports of vehicles being set on fire on the Mozambique 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,” the South African border agency said. he said.

Lebombo, one of South Africa’s four busiest dry ports, is approximately 110 km (68 mi) from Mozambique’s capital Maputo and approximately 440 km (273 mi) from South Africa’s capital Pretoria.

Travelers were advised to use alternative crossing points between the two countries.

South African Border Management Authority (BMA) commissioner Michael Masiapato said the violence had spread to Ressano Garcia, a small district in Maputo province near Lebombo.

Mr Masiapato said the South African side was not affected but security measures had to be taken.

In his statement, he said, “Some buildings were set on fire. We are currently working to secure the Lebombo border and ensure the safety of passengers.”

“The border will be closed to ensure the safety of passengers.”

Reports say that protesters on the Mozambican side of the border burned down an immigration office in that country.

Seven Mozambican officials have sought asylum on the South African side for safety and protection, officials said.

BMA officials, South African police and the military took action to prevent the protest from spreading across the country.

Protests began in Maputo at the end of October after Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo was officially declared the winner with over 71% of the vote.

Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who came in second with 20 percent of the votes, went into hiding before the results were announced, citing fear that he would be killed.

The protests led to violent clashes with police and at least 18 people were killed, according to Human Rights Watch.

The internet and social media were also restricted.

Despite the Prime Minister’s call for people to return to work, the general strike called by Mondlane continued.

On Tuesday, Defense Minister Cristovao Chume threatened to deploy the army ahead of nationwide protests planned for Thursday.

Chume said the post-election protests were aimed at “changing the democratically constituted power.”