Online Reporter
Beitbridge Bureau
NEARLY 270 00 individuals have passed through the Beitbridge Border Post since December 1, as Zimbabweans troop back home for the festive season.
Regional immigration officer for the southern region Mr Joshua Chibundu told The Sunday Mail that the volume of traffic is increasing.
An average of 18 000 travellers and 250 buses are being cleared daily, an increase from the off-peak figures of 12 000 travellers and 120 buses.
More people are expected for the holidays.
“Since December 1, we have cleared a total of 269 075 travellers. We have deployed enough manpower on the ground to ensure that the movement of travellers is seamless,” he said.
Of the 269 075 travellers, 177 977 were arriving, while 91 098 were departing.
Mr Chibundu warned travellers to be cautious of con men and middlemen at the border, as the department does not use go-betweens.
Families travelling with children have also been advised to ensure they are accompanied by reliable relatives and carry the necessary supporting documents alongside valid passports.
Travellers are also being encouraged to cooperate with border authorities to minimise delays and prevent complications. The border efficiency peak period management system that has been activated is expected to run from December 5 to January 15 next year.
The increased volume of passenger and vehicular traffic highlights the effectiveness of recent transformations at the border, which continue to improve efficiency and facilitate smoother movement for travellers from Zimbabwe and other countries in the region.
Automated services were introduced at the border while traffic was separated into designated lanes for freight, buses, light vehicles and pedestrians.
These changes have minimised delays.
To further bolster operations during this peak period, Zimbabwe and South African border officials have harmonised their efforts through the integrated inter-border agencies committee.
South Africa has also responded to increased traffic by deploying additional immigration officers, ensuring quicker passage for those entering or leaving the country.
