Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Border Authorities at Beitbridge have said operations remain stable although they continue to process high numbers of Zimbabweans and Malawians who are self-repatriating or are getting State assistance to leave South Africa.
The Regional Immigration Officer in charge of the southern region, Mr Joshua Chibundu said they are processing high numbers of Malawians and Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.
“Even with the extra numbers, normal movement of people has not been affected. Commercial trucks, tourists, and daily travellers are still moving as usual,” said Mr Chibundu.
He said the Department of Immigration has deployed manpower strategically to reduce queues and keep traffic flowing.
Mr Chibundu said the movement of Assisted Voluntary Returnees (AVRs) is well coordinated.
“The Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa leads the process with returnees there. The local Civil Protection Committee manages support on the Zimbabwe side and they send passenger manifests early. We receive the lists of passengers and buses ahead of time. This helps us plan desks, health checks, and onward transport,” he said.
At the border, all AVRs are profiled first then border officials check documents and record details.
After profiling, returnees are taken to the local Reception and Support Centre which is being run by the Civil Protection Committee led by an interministerial team.
The team includes Immigration, Health, Social Welfare, ZRP, and partners like the Zimbabwe Red Cross and IOM.
At the Centre, returnees get food, water, and medical checks and the families with children are prioritized, while those who need travel help to Harare, Bulawayo, or rural areas are assisted with transport by the Government and its partners.
Mr Chibundu said they are processing about 18 buses heading to Malawi and that their movement is coordinated with Malawian officials.
“Beitbridge is busy, but it is under control. Normal travel is continuing. Returnees are being assisted with care and respect,” he said.
