Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Department of Immigration has advised travellers to avoid engaging middlemen and instead ensure they carry valid travel documents and all necessary supporting materials when passing through Beitbridge Border Post, during the Easter holidays.
The Regional Immigration Officer responsible for the Southern Region (covering Beitbridge, Masvingo, Chiredzi, and Sango), Mr Joshua Chibundu, said the Compliance and Enforcement Unit is firmly deployed on the ground to tackle irregular migration and prevent illicit payments.
He urged those travelling with children to carry the appropriate supporting documents, stressing that the department takes the issue of child smuggling, which tends to spike during peak travel periods, very seriously.
“We have deployed adequate personnel to ensure improved service delivery during the busy Easter period. We encourage all travellers to carry proper documentation to facilitate smooth passage, with particular emphasis on those accompanying minors.
“In addition, travellers must present themselves directly at our immigration counters to avoid the use of counterfeit stamps,” said Mr Chibundu.
He reiterated that there is no need for travellers to engage middlemen, as the Department of Immigration does not require the services of agents.
“We urge travellers to be vigilant and wish everyone safe journeys to their destinations,” he added.
Mr Chibundu noted that the number of travellers was gradually increasing, although the situation remained under control.
The department is processing approximately 12 000 travellers per day, up from the usual 8 000, with the number expected to rise towards the end of the week.
He said manpower had been strategically deployed, especially for night operations, as the majority of cross-border buses were travelling during the night.
To enhance efficiency and security, the department has introduced automated gates (e-gates) and an online border management system at Beitbridge Border Post.
During a recent oversight visit by parliamentarians, Assistant Regional Immigration Officer for Beitbridge, Mr Lucky Joe Matyora, said the newly introduced system had significantly reduced human interaction and curbed rent-seeking activities at the border.
“We are piloting the project, and so far, we’re satisfied with the progress on the ground. We’re also working in collaboration with other border agencies to strengthen security through the use of CCTV systems and drones. This has enabled us to identify and remove undesirable individuals both at the border and in surrounding areas,” said Mr Matyora.
He added that through this inter-agency collaboration, the department had managed to reduce the smuggling of unaccompanied minors.
“In 2023, we intercepted over 300 minors, while last year we processed 149 cases involving unaccompanied children,” he said.
In preparation for the Easter holidays, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) announced on Monday that it would be deploying senior officials to oversee and monitor operations at Beitbridge and Lebombo Port of Entry (PoE).
The BMA confirmed that Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana would be stationed at Beitbridge from April 16 to 17, while Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato would be deployed to Lebombo, South Africa’s busiest border with Mozambique, from April 15 to 18.
