Nearly 270,000 Pass Through Beitbridge for Festive Season

By Knowledge Muneri

Nearly 270,000 individuals have passed through the Beitbridge Border Post since December 1, as Zimbabweans return home for the festive season. Regional Immigration Officer for the Southern Region, Mr. Joshua Chibundu, told The Sunday Mail that the volume of traffic is increasing, with an average of 18,000 travelers and 250 buses being cleared daily.

According to Mr. Chibundu, a total of 269,075 travelers have been cleared since December 1, with 177,977 arriving and 91,098 departing. He warned travelers to be cautious of con men and middlemen at the border, as the department does not use go-betweens.

Families traveling with children have been advised to ensure they are accompanied by reliable relatives and carry necessary supporting documents alongside valid passports. Travelers are also encouraged to cooperate with border authorities to minimize delays and prevent complications.

The border efficiency peak period management system, which was activated from December 5 to January 15, has seen increased collaboration between Zimbabwe and South African border officials. Automated services have been introduced, and traffic has been separated into designated lanes, minimizing delays.

To further enhance operations, South Africa has deployed additional immigration officers to ensure quicker passage for those entering or leaving the country. The transformations at the border have improved efficiency and facilitated smoother movement for travelers from Zimbabwe and other countries in the region