BEITBRIDGE BORDER: Here is what is known so far about the worst congestion in its history

As news comes that five truck drivers have died while waiting to cross the border from South Africa to Zimbabwe via the Beitbridge port of entry, many of you have questions that need answering.

What is happening?

Traffic has been at a virtual standstill for five days as people try to cross into Zimbabwe over the festive period. Traffic is said to go as far as 20km on the South African side.

What is causing the delay?

At the best of times, the border post is extremely busy and if one has traveled there during the festive period, they will know how congested it gets. As it stands, the bigger delay is being caused by the the Covid-19 checks at the border. There is also the issue of the curfews on both sides.

What are the risks?

There are no amenities and now criminals are reportedly smashing into cars and robbing people. This has resulted in fatigue and other health strains. A Zimbabwean woman passed away when she lost consciousness while she was on the bus and passed away on Tuesday. A total of 11 people are believed to have died.

Here is a video of criminals robbing someone in the queue

What has the government of South Africa said?

Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, says truck drivers are to blame for the current congestion at the Beitbridge Border Post, as hundreds of Zimbabweans return home for Christmas. Motsoaledi says most truck drivers do not have the documentation required to cross the border and are therefore blocking all other travellers who are ready to cross with the relevant documentation. Road Freight Association (RFA) chief executive officer Gavin Kelly dismissed this saying that transporters were pre-cleared by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) before reaching the border post. Motsoaledi says he turned down request for delegation of Zimbabwean Ministers to be deployed to deal with massive congestion at Beitbridge border post. He insists SA is handling matter on its side and has urged Zimbabwe to work on its economic crisis.

What has he government of Zimbabwe said?

Information Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana on Wednesday said, “We have been made aware of the situation at Beitbridge Border Post. Whilst the bottleneck is not on the Zimbabwean side, efforts are in motion to arrive at a solution that work for both sides of the border, that includes a possible review of the 2200 hours closure of the Border.” By Thursday, there was no update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email