Cops, soldiers keep watchful eye on Beitbridge border as 2024 draws to a close
The Beitbridge border is known for being a hotspot for criminal activity during this period, with a notable rise in the smuggling of contraband and other illegal goods.
The Beitbridge Border Post in Musina, Limpopo. Picture: X/PresidencyZA
JOHANNESBURG - Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo is overseeing an operation at the Beitbridge border in Limpopo to ensure the safety of travellers moving between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The operation is part of the police’s annual safer festive season inspection tour focusing on all points of entry on Wednesday.
The Beitbridge border is known for being a hotspot for criminal activity during this period, with a notable rise in the smuggling of contraband and other illegal goods.
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During the 2023 festive season, more than 1,800 people were arrested for attempting to cross the Beitbridge border illegally.
At the same time, 44 buses were stopped and searched at the border, where 443 underage children were found, allegedly being trafficked into South Africa.
These incidents have led the police to adopt a more proactive approach to securing the Beitbridge border during this period.
Boshielo is at the border today to assess the effectiveness of the police service’s plans for ensuring the safety of travellers.
She will also inspect and patrol the border fence, which has been closely monitored by members of the South African National Defence Force for over two years.