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Crime Reporter
Police and other security forces under an ongoing operation have destroyed 23 shacks along the Limpopo River in Chikwalakwala, believed to have been used by people assisting border jumpers and smuggling activities in Beitbridge.
ZRP and other security forces are currently conducting an ongoing operation code-named ‘No to Cross Border Crimes’ to curb illegal activities countrywide.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development yesterday.
“The ZRP and other security forces on operation ‘No to Cross Border Crimes’ has demolished 23 shacks along the Limpopo River in Chikwalakwala. The shacks were harbouring people suspected to be aiding illegal border crossing and smuggling activities in Beitbridge,” he said.
Meanwhile, police in Bubi arrested Admire Zayira for smuggling. The suspect was intercepted at a traffic checkpoint in Bubi while driving a rigid truck (ABQ 5770) towing a trailer (AFJ 8106) laden with an assortment of undeclared groceries.
At least 89 000 people have so far been arrested in an ongoing police blitz to curb cross-border crime amid the tightening of security along the country’s borders.
Code-named “No to Cross Border Crimes/Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni/Mhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe” the operation was launched last year targeting those who violate the Immigration Act.
Already, some of the suspects were fined while others are expected to appear in court after being vetted.
Police have since warned the public against using illegal exit and entry points that they will face the full wrath of the law.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the force would continue making patrols and arresting anyone found on the wrong side of the law during this period where smuggling and border jumping activities are rife. The arrests come after police stepped up patrols and checks along roads leading to and from the country’s inland borders to fight rampant cases of smuggling.
Government recently beefed up security along its border with South Africa to curb smuggling and other rent-seeking activities, which could be costing the country millions annually in unpaid customs duty.
Zimbabwe and South Africa recently tightened security along the Limpopo border to thwart illegal activities, especially smuggling and the irregular movement of people between the two countries, with over 600 being arrested last Sunday alone.
Among these were smugglers, illegal vendors, Covid-19 protocols violators, and irregular migrants.
Most of those being arrested were attempting to use the few illegal crossing points remaining since the Limpopo River water levels have started rising.
Apart from being arrested and prosecuted, those who use illegal crossing points risk being attacked by thugs or wild animals and drowning in the crocodile-infested Limpopo River.
Between December 10 and December 31 last year, 13 387 people were arrested for border jumping and smuggling-related cases.
Online Reporter