Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya,B-Metro Beitbridge Bureau
BEITBRIDGE Border Post turned into a human highway this Easter as nearly 70 000 travellers streamed through Zimbabwe’s busiest gateway—smashing last year’s total by over 20 000!
Between April 17 and 21, a massive 67 816 people were cleared—32 901 entering the country and 34 915 heading out, making Beitbridge the epicentre of the Easter hustle.
Usually humming with 8 000 daily travellers during off-peak times, the border was on full-throttle mode, processing up to 20 000 per day as Zimbabweans and South Africans crossed in droves to reunite with families or soak up the holiday vibe.
Credit goes to high-tech systems now in play:
• Automated eGates for smooth movement.
• ZIMRA’s pre-clearance & e-TIP systems are slashing wait times.
• Zimborders’ vehicle tracking platform that keeps traffic flowing like a dream.
Authorities say 60 percent of traffic is now cleared within three hours—a once-impossible feat!
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Regional Immigration Officer Joshua Chibundu said they had to stay on their toes, arresting 456 offenders, including touts and dodgy vendors, and blocking 598 would-be travellers trying to sneak into South Africa without valid documents.
“We’re not playing games,” warned Chibundu. “Stick to the legal channels. No middlemen. Get cleared properly and avoid unnecessary drama.”
Heads-up to parents, too!
Children under 18 need passports, birth certificates, and affidavits if travelling with one parent. Miss the paperwork, miss the trip.
With another travel peak expected this winter, authorities are urging travellers to plan smart and travel right.
