adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Zimbabwe and South Africa re-opened their border yesterday, with customs officials from both countries prioritising the clearance of essential cargo, especially perishable food, medication and explosives.
South Africa temporarily closed its border post on Wednesday afternoon after one of its customs officers tested positive for Covid-19.
This was to allow full disinfection of all areas, which was completed on Thursday.
A total of 350 commercial trucks, which had been parked in customs yards in both components of the border post, were cleared between 6am and 4pm yesterday.
In line with previous agreements between the two countries, the border remains open only to commercial cargo and repatriations of South African and Zimbabwean citizens, including remains of those who die in the other country.
According to one border authority, normal business resumed at 6am yesterday after the South Africans complied fully with the Covid-19 guideline regulations set by their Government.
“We processed around 200 south bound trucks and another 150 north bound between 6am and 4pm,” said the official.
Online Reporter