Online Reporter
A joint Parliamentary Committee on Defence, Home Affairs and Security is touring the transformed Beitbridge Border Post today as part of efforts to ascertain the state of affairs regarding border security and governance issues.
The team is being led by Beitbridge East Member of Parliament, Cde Albert Nguluvhe.
Cde Nguluvhe said they are interested in evaluating measures put in place to secure the port of entry from irregular migration and smuggling.
“We are also interested in getting border operational challenges and we will make our recommendations and compile a report to be taken back to Parliament,” he said.
He said the committee is targeting major ports of entry nationwide in line with Parliament’s oversight role.
Among those attending are local border agencies and JOC members.
Our Beitbridge Bureau Thupeyo Muleya is at the border post and will provide live updates of the tour.
Immigration Department introduces e-gates at Beitbridge Border Post
The Department of Immigration has introduced e-gates and the online border management system to enhance security and efficiency at the Beitbridge Border Post, the assistant regional immigration officer (Beitbridge), Mr Lucky Joe Matyora has told the parliamentarians.
He said the new system has helped reduce human interface and rent-seeking activities at the border.
“We are piloting the project and so far we are happy with the situation on the ground,” said Mr Matyora.
“We are also working with other border agencies to tighten security through the use of CCTVs and drones.
“We have been able to detect and weed out undesirable persons at the border and its flanks”.
He said through collaboration with other border agencies, they have managed to reduce the smuggling of unaccompanied minors.
In 2023, he said they intercepted over 300 minors. Last year, they managed to intercept 149 minors that were being smuggled through Beitbridge Border Post.
Smugglers turn to floating boats along Limpopo River
Authorities are tightening screws along the Beitbridge Border Post following an increase in smugglers using floating boats, a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) official, Ms Winfred Chiyangwa told the parliamentarians this morning.
Ms Chiyangwa said through collaboration with security agents, they continue to intercept and burn the boats that are mostly used to smuggle prohibited goods.
“We have increased security through the usage of drones. This has helped us to reduce crime,” said Ms Chiyangwa.
“It is pleasing to note that through integrated border management, we are winning the war to secure the borderline.”
She said they need to secure a scanner at the private terminal to speed up the flow of traffic.
Parly embarks on tour
Parliamentarians are now touring the transformed border post to appreciate operations at the pedestrian and freight terminals. -?by Thupeyo Muleya
Simbarashe Gunsalu, Zimra drones officer, explains how technology has facilitated in enhancing security at the port of entry.
Erija Rugeje, Zimra Drone Pilot showing parliamentarians on a border tour how they conduct surveillence
Beitbridge Border Post operational challenges highlighted
Parliament has noted the operational challenges that are affecting the effective curbing of leakages and irregular migration at Beitbridge Border Post.
Acting chairperson of the joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Security and Home Affairs, Cde Albert Nguluvhe said the team is touring all major ports of entry as part of Parliament’s oversight roles.
“We are impressed with this border post’s operations. It is now more secure following its upgrading by the Second Republic,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
“We have seen drone surveillance, fast cargo scanners, canine units, e-gates, biometric services and the separation of traffic.
“In addition, the security has been doing well, addressing the issue of touts and wheeler-dealers that had become a problem at the border.
“However, we have noted challenges to do with patrol vehicles, bad roads along the borderline and limited manpower in some departments. So we will sit down with the teams doing the tour and consolidate our report for Parliament.”
The team is set to visit Plumtree and Mulambepehle ports of entry on a similar mission on Tuesday.
Bongani Ndlovu