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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
CRIMINAL activities have resurfaced at the Alfred Beitbridge (Old Limpopo Bridge) where touts, thieves, conmen, wheeler dealers and vendors are roaming freely conducting their illegal business.
In 2004, Government declared the border post a security zone where such criminal activities are outlawed.
The bridge is manned by the police and members of the army from both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Touts soliciting for smugglers or illegal immigrants and vendors selling food items and water have become a common feature on the bridge.
The Chronicle understands that most of these criminals find their way to the bridge via illegal points outside the main border perimeter fence, especially behind the now defunct Duty Free Shop.
In addition, a clique of touts, vendors and dealers who were pushed out of the main border arena by the Government as it adopted the ease of doing business initiative have found a new home at the Old Limpopo Bridge.
During the day, the area (Alfred Beitbridge) is used mainly by pedestrians while the New Limpopo Bridge is reserved for motor vehicle traffic only.
Some goons have now turned the bridge into a no go area at night, where muggings and robberies are rife.
A security camera (camera 21) in the same area, was recently stolen by unknown criminals during a power blackout.
The Assistant Immigration Officer (ARIO) in charge of Beitbridge, Mr Nqobile Ncube, referred all questions to the police.
“I would refer you to the police authorities who have jurisdiction over that area,” he said.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said: “I am yet to get full details on the current situation at that point.
“However, let those who want to take chances be warned that the police are ready to deal with them. Instead, they must legalise their operations and make use of designated and zoned selling points”.
Chief Insp Ndebele advised travellers to shun the services of wheeler dealers and to always stick to formal and legal border procedures.
In cases where touts are arrested they pay admission of guilt fines of $20 or are jailed for 6 months for contravening a section of the Protected Places and Areas Act.
In 2016, Government used $600 000 to upgrade security facilities at the port of entry with a view to stamping out corruption and intrusive leakages in or out of the country.
It is understood that part of the money was used to buy motor bikes and border patrol vehicles, lie detectors, metal and mobile baggage scanners and CCTV
cameras which have already been installed at Beitbridge.
The secret cameras are planted in areas unknown to workers at the port of entry.
Online Reporter