Beitbridge – Immigration authorities at Beitbridge Border Post processed a staggering 437,372 travellers and apprehended 3,640 individuals for violating immigration laws during the peak festive season in December. This surge in activity occurred as authorities intensified their efforts to curb illegal activities at the country’s busiest port of entry.
Figures released by the Department of Immigration reveal that the border post handled 263,575 arrivals and 173,797 departures last month, reflecting the heightened human traffic typically associated with the festive period.
The arrests were made as part of an ongoing operation involving the Department of Immigration’s Regional Compliance and Enforcement Unit, working in conjunction with other border agencies to maintain security and order during the peak travel period. The offences ranged from border jumping and touting to the use of fake immigration stamps and forged travel documents.
Assistant Regional Immigration Officer-in-Charge for Beitbridge, Ms Canisia Magaya, said authorities had deployed adequate manpower to ensure smooth traffic flow while enforcing compliance with immigration laws. “We have started witnessing a surge in southbound traffic, although movement remains relatively sparse. In December alone, we intercepted 3,640 travellers on either side of the border for violating immigration laws and refused entry to 27 others for various reasons, including lack of valid visas,” said Ms Magaya.
In addition to the arrests, 27 travellers from various countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Ghana, Egypt, Mozambique, Malawi, Burundi, and Congo-Brazzaville, were denied entry into Zimbabwe for failing to meet visa requirements.
Ms Magaya emphasised the department’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding travellers and ensuring efficient border operations throughout the festive season. She also urged travellers to plan their journeys meticulously and consider travelling during off-peak hours – early mornings or late evenings – to avoid congestion. “We encourage travellers to monitor official updates and adhere to border procedures. Traffic volumes are currently low, although there has been a noticeable increase on the exit side,” she said.
Zimbabwe and South Africa are currently implementing a harmonised traffic flow system, which commenced on December 15 and will continue until January 10. This initiative aims to reduce waiting times on both sides of the border, facilitating smoother passage for travellers.
On the South African side, Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato is leading a team of senior officials at Beitbridge, overseeing operations to improve efficiency during the festive rush, particularly between New Year’s Day and January 5.
At the peak of the festive season, the border handled an average of 18,300 people, 1,300 light vehicles, 1,000 commercial trucks, and 250 buses daily, with the majority being departures from South Africa. This significant volume of traffic underscores Beitbridge’s crucial role as a major transit point in the region.
Beitbridge continues to serve as a major transit point for travellers from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, the DRC, Botswana, Tanzania, and Mozambique, especially those based in South Africa. The border post is a vital link for those travelling to and from South Africa, making it a key focus for immigration and security efforts.
Meanwhile, travellers who journeyed to South Africa for the holidays are expected to begin their return journeys through Beitbridge from this weekend. This influx of returning travellers is likely to put additional strain on border resources, requiring continued vigilance and efficient processing.
In a statement, BMA spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi said the oversight visits form part of the 2025/2026 Festive Season Security Plan, launched on December 7, which focuses on strengthened multi-layered security to ensure safe, efficient and co-ordinated border management.
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