Road to Maputo 'still unsafe'

While air travel to Mozambique has been restored after riots rocked the country, motorists have been warned to avoid the N4 highway to Maputo.

High commissioner in Mozambique Dikgang Moopeloa said there had been sporadic incidents of stoning and blockades on roads in the vicinity of Maputo.

He said the N4 between Maputo and the Lebombo border post should be avoided by anyone travelling into the country.

On Wednesday, more than 200 South Africans were left stranded after SA Airways cancelled all flights to and from the country.

The Mozambican airport was shut and air traffic control was non-functional.

SAA spokesman Fani Zulu said the airline assessed the situation and flights were now fully operational.

"We are operating as normal, and flights have left and returned safely and without any glitches," he said.

One flight left the country yesterday morning, and returned with a full load of passengers. Another flight left in the afternoon and returned safely.

Department of International Relations spokesman Saul Molobi said the South African high commission was closed on Wednesday after the outbreak of violence over increased bread prices. It was, however, re-opened yesterday.

Mozambican security services "have taken control of the situation", said Molobi. The department assessed the situation, and re-opened the high commission "because we believe our staff will be safe". He said there were no protesters in the streets of Maputo yesterday.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets on Wednesday, throwing stones, burning tyres, and looting shops in a demonstration against the rising cost of food, fuel and water.

Two police officers were killed . - Additional reporting by Sapa