Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
THE battle against drug trafficking and smuggling at Beitbridge Border Post has taken on a new urgency, with Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe declaring that the future of the province’s young people is at stake.
Launching a joint Anti-Smuggling and Anti-Drug Trafficking and Abuse Campaign at Pagomba Café in Beitbridge recently, the Minister said communities could no longer stand by while drugs and illegal trade continue to destroy lives and drain the economy.
The launch brought together government agencies, cross-border traders, transport operators, youth groups, church leaders and residents, all united in calling for stronger action against the growing problem.
The campaign is being supported by Cross Borders for Economic Development (Crossborders4ED), which says economic growth can only be sustained through lawful trade that benefits communities rather than harming them.
Authorities say smuggling along the Zimbabwe-South Africa border has reached worrying levels.
Through a multi-agency task force, government has intensified efforts to stop the illegal movement of goods and drugs into and out of the country.
Millions of dollars in customs duty and export levies are lost every year through smuggling. These are funds that should be used to build schools, clinics, roads and other public infrastructure.
Officials have identified several illegal crossing points that are commonly used by smugglers. In
Beitbridge East, hotspots include Mai Maria, Panda Mine, Dite, Tshikwalakwala, Mawale and River
Ranch. In Beitbridge West, authorities have flagged Sentinel, Tshivhara and Shashe as major routes.
Smugglers often avoid official entry points, instead crossing the Limpopo River carrying goods on their heads or using small boats. Once across the border, the goods are transported by buses and trucks to destinations including Harare, Bulawayo and other towns.
Items commonly smuggled into the country include groceries, cement, furniture, alcohol, cigarettes and banned genetically modified food products. Goods smuggled out of Zimbabwe include minerals, stolen livestock and cigarettes.
However, authorities say the biggest concern is the growing flow of illegal drugs. Marijuana and Broncleer cough syrup are reportedly entering the country in large quantities, while crystal meth, commonly known as mutoriro or guka, continues to devastate communities and destroy the lives of young people.
The scale of the problem is reflected in the overflowing Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) warehouses at Beitbridge, where confiscated smuggled goods have filled available storage space.
Minister Nguluvhe said government is strengthening its response through improved technology, tighter border security and stronger community-based interventions.
He said the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Steering Committee had recently visited Mangwe and Bulilima districts to improve coordination, reporting systems and rehabilitation programmes. District structures have also been revived, while traditional leaders are being empowered to lead awareness and prevention campaigns within their communities.
“At Plumtree Border Post, authorities are using baggage scanners, mobile scanners for heavy vehicles, canine units and drone surveillance. Plans are underway for an extended drone system covering about 100km of vulnerable border areas,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“On enforcement, 12 drug hotspots were identified, 73 suspects arrested, 33 cases referred to court and 9 suppliers apprehended. Over 114 people were reached through awareness programmes. Several cases of drug-induced psychosis linked to crystal meth, marijuana and alcohol were treated in Beitbridge and Gwanda.”
The Minister also said Treasury had released about US$24 million for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Provincial Rehabilitation Centre in Gwanda, with refurbishment works expected to begin soon.
Addressing young people directly, he urged them to reject drugs and focus on productive opportunities.
“To our youth, I say: your future is too valuable to be sacrificed to drugs and substance abuse. Reject drugs. Embrace education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, mining and other productive opportunities,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He warned that drug abuse goes beyond being a health issue.
“It is breaking families, causing crime, and making it hard for young people to find jobs. Parents and community leaders should stay alert,” said the Minister.
He also appealed to businesses to support youth empowerment programmes through skills training and employment initiatives, while urging government agencies to improve cooperation and information sharing.
While condemning smuggling, the Minister acknowledged the important contribution made by cross-border traders and transport operators to the national economy.
“Smuggling undermines our economy by depriving the Government of critical revenue required to build schools, clinics, roads and other public infrastructure. Government recognises the important role played by cross-border traders in economic development. However, all trade activities must be conducted within the framework of the law. Formal trade strengthens our economy, protects legitimate businesses and contributes to national development.”
He encouraged traders to declare all goods, pay the required duties and work closely with Zimra and other law enforcement agencies.
The programme also included a clean-up campaign through Beitbridge’s central business district, the border post, the long-distance bus terminus and along the highway leading to the traffic circle connecting roads to Bulawayo and Harare.
“By cleaning up these areas and leading from the front, we are sending a strong message that cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “Clean surroundings promote public health, attract tourism, facilitate investment and create dignified communities,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He added that Beitbridge, as the busiest inland port in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), must remain clean and orderly if it is to attract tourism and investment.
