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Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
The Department of Immigration’s Regional Compliance and Enforcement Unit has intensified efforts to prevent criminals and illegal migrants from accessing the newly transformed Beitbridge Border Post.
Between December 1 and January 7, the unit reported the arrest of 3 493 individuals for various offenses related to illegal activities between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The ongoing regional compliance operation, supported by other border agencies, aims to curtail criminal activities such as border jumping and touting, as well as the use of fake immigration stamps and travel documents, which have surged with increasing human traffic.
Mrs Canisia Magaya, the Assistant Regional Immigration Officer in charge of Beitbridge, stated that collaboration with other border agencies is critical to minimising illegal activities at the border.
During the same period, a total of 591 people were denied entry into Zimbabwe or South Africa for various reasons. Among those refused entry were 538 Zimbabweans, 46 Malawians, two Tanzanians, two Congolese, one Ghanaian, and two Kenyans.
“Reasons for refusal of entry include lack of visas, unpaid fines, undocumented status, and being blacklisted as undesirable immigrants,” Mrs Magaya said.
“We are committed to maintaining safety and security for travellers and ensuring a smooth flow of traffic during this festive season.”
The compliance operation remains firm, with Mrs Magaya noting that many irregular migrants were intercepted on the South African side of the border after using illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River.
The team is also focused on combating child smuggling. They successfully prevented 61 minors from being illegally transported to South Africa.
These unaccompanied minors have been handed over to the Department of Social Development for contact tracing and reunification with their parents or guardians.
“We have deployed sufficient manpower and are targeting known hotspots,” she added.
The department urges travellers to use designated ports of entry and exit for their safety and to approach immigration offices for any questions, warning that touts often take advantage of those lacking information.
The compliance operation is ongoing, with spot checks being conducted on vehicles and buses entering or leaving the country, as well as along major highways.
Mrs Magaya advised parents to ensure their children have valid travel documents, and if traveling with guardians, to follow legal requirements for clearance.
Under current regulations, children travelling with guardians must possess a valid passport, a copy of their birth certificate, and affidavits from parents consenting to their travel.
For single-parent travel, an affidavit from the non-traveling parent is also required, along with copies of the parents’ IDs or passports.
The automation of services and the separation of traffic at the transformed Beitbridge Border Post have greatly enhanced efficiency and security at the country’s busiest port of entry, ensuring safer crossings for all travellers.
Online Reporter