SA-bound traffic surges

Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau

Both human and vehicle traffic has surged at Beitbridge border post as thousands of Zimbabweans based in South Africa return.

The traffic started increasing last Thursday, marking the beginning of the end of the festive season.

Long queues of vehicles stretching almost 2km into the border town, Beitbridge, have been a major characteristic of the area over the past days.

The Sunday Mail understands that on average, border authorities are clearing 3 000 light vehicles and 150 buses going into South Africa daily.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since increased operations at the border where they are also working with a private security company.

Immigration and customs departments from both Zimbabwe and South Africa have opened up more service points to enhance a speedy flow of traffic.

Buses, light vehicles, commercial trucks and pedestrians have also been separated into different categories.

Department of Immigration assistant regional immigration officer in charge of Beitbridge Mr Nqobile Ncube said they had engaged their South African counterparts to increase the pace at which people and vehicles are cleared.

“The volumes are high we are clearing an average 25 000 people and we expect more today (yesterday),” said Mr Ncube.

“We are constantly liaising with our South African counterparts to expedite the movement of people, especially those travelling in buses which have taken much of the parking space at the border.

“They have assured us that they are beefing up staff. As usual we advise people to travel early to avoid unnecessary situations.”

Mr Ncube they had set the festive period between December 3 2019 and January 13 and harmonised operations with the South Africans.

An average of 15 000 travellers inclusive of arrivals and departures are cleared daily at the border and the figures double during peak periods.