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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Police in Beitbridge rounded up more than 4 700 people for various criminal activities at the Beitbridge Border Post during the festive season. Officer commanding Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Francis Phiri said the suspects were arrested during an ongoing operation to restore order at SADC’s busiest inland port.
He said the operation started on December 1 last year.
“We have arrested a total of 4 502 people for violating immigration laws and another 254 for contravening sections of the Protected Places and Areas Act,” said Chief Supt Phiri.
“Those arrested for entry or exit by evasion under the Immigration Act (border jumpers) were fined, while a further 238 suspects sent to court for prosecution (under the Protected Places and Areas Act).
“They were handed varying sentences depending with individual cases.
“In addition, 16 others arrested under the PPA Act paid admission of guilty fines and were released. Among those rounded up are conmen, touts, illegal hawkers and all those wheeler-dealers who cause unnecessary congestion at the border.”
Chief Supt Phiri said the operation was continuous and would only end when sanity was restored.
He said the police had adequately deployed in the area.
“At the same time, we want to urge travellers to avoid engaging touts and conmen for services,” he said.
“In most cases, these criminals end up duping or stealing from them.
“It is very critical that as police we create a safe and conducive environment for quality service delivery at this place, with minimal challenges.”
Online Reporter