Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
South African border authorities are taking the fight against corruption to a new level — by bringing convicted border criminals to publicly share how crime ruined their lives.
The move is part of an ongoing anti corruption and fraud campaign at the Beitbridge Border Post, where syndicates of officials, smugglers and travellers have been bleeding both South Africa and Zimbabwe of millions in customs revenue every year.
The Border Management Authority confirmed the initiative which is set for Friday.
“The Department of Correctional Services is bringing inmates to come and share how corruption landed them in the docks,” said the BMA in a statement.
The inmates include former border workers, some of whom once held influential duties at the border before greed swallowed them whole. Others were part of cross-border smuggling networks that handled everything from groceries and sugar to cigarettes, fuel and illegal migrants.
Over 40 South African Home Affairs officials, including some deployed at Beitbridge, have been arrested on corruption-related charges over the past 12 months.
Common crimes include:
• Facilitating border jumping
• Allowing undocumented travellers to pass
• Smuggling contraband between the two countries
On the Zimbabwean side, border agencies have signed integrity pledges with the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission as part of a renewed push to clean up operations at Sadc’s busiest land border.
Authorities say the rot at Beitbridge is costing both countries millions every year — money that could be going to hospitals, schools and roads.
The hope is that hearing from the offenders themselves will send a clear warning to those tempted to take shortcuts.
The message is simple:
“Corruption may look profitable today, but it always comes back for its payment.”
