Illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas in South Africa, who were arrested after being rescued from disused mines in Stilfontein, North West, have appeared in court and received wholly suspended sentences.
As reported by <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/north-west/stilfontein-miners-deported-to-neighbouring-countries-after-getting-wholly-suspended-sentences-105bec57-ff0b-4bca-93a3-9e00bf5ec966">IOL</a>, the second group of illegal miners was sentenced at the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on December 31 for illicit mining and violating the Immigration Act.
According to North West provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the accused include 10 Lesotho nationals, four Mozambicans, and five Zimbabwean undocumented migrants, aged between 20 and 43.
Each of the accused was sentenced to six months in prison or a R12,000 fine for illegal mining. These sentences are suspended for five years, provided they are not convicted of illegal mining during this period.
Additionally, the miners were sentenced to three months in prison or a R6,000 fine for violating South Africa’s Immigration Act, with this sentence also suspended for five years on the condition of no further violations. Said Mokgwabone:
<blockquote>
Following the sentences, the accused were on January 7, 2025, deported to their countries of origin by the Department of Home Affairs. The accused were arrested at Margaret Shaft where they resurfaced in November 2024.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has welcomed the conviction and subsequent deportation of the zama zamas.
Asaneng reiterated that the ongoing “Vala Umgodi” operation will continue to ensure that those who commit crimes are held accountable in accordance with the law.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Illegal miners called "zama zamas" in South Africa were rescued from abandoned mines in Stilfontein, North West. They got suspended sentences in court for illegal mining and breaking immigration laws. Five of them, from Zimbabwe, were deported back to their country. The sentences are "stopped" for five years if they don't do more illegal mining. The police will keep working to catch people who break the rules. The Acting Police Commissioner in North West is glad these miners were caught and sent away. The operation to catch criminals will keep going.

Five "Zama Zamas" Deported To Zimbabwe After Getting Wholly Suspended Sentences

Herman Mashaba, the leader of ActionSA, an opposition political party in South Africa, has condemned the government’s directive to allow children of undocumented foreigners, including Zimbabweans, to attend schools in the country.
According to a memo issued by South Africa’s Department of Basic Education (DBE), for the 2025 academic year, schools must admit all learners, regardless of their documentation status.
This includes students who fail to provide identification for the country’s matric years and undocumented foreign pupils.
Speaking on South Africa’s national broadcaster SABC, Mashaba said that if he were in authority, he would not allow any undocumented person or learner to benefit from South Africa’s already strained resources. Said Mashaba (<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/flush-out-illegal-zimbabwean-immigrants-children-from-our-schools-says-mashaba-alleges-they-overstretch-resources-in-south-africas-education-sector/">via NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
South Africa now seems to be a country where you do not need passports or VISAs, they just have to walk through our porous borders. Our sovereignty is not there anymore…
I do not understand the logic behind this. The people who made this decision want to make sure that South Africans are as poor as possible.
We know our neighbouring countries are dysfunctional as a result of South Africa also not assisting but we are making matters worse.
I am not sure who they are trying to satisfy. If I had my way, there was no way we would allow anyone without documentation in our country.
Allowing them to use services when we cannot afford them for our own people (does not make sense). You even find in some schools children numbering 90 in a class.
</blockquote>
A significant number of Zimbabweans, potentially in the millions, are living and working in South Africa without legal documentation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Herman Mashaba from ActionSA in South Africa wants to kick out Zimbabwean children from school if they don't have proper papers. The government said all kids, even if they are undocumented, can go to school starting in 2025. Mashaba thinks this is wrong because it takes resources away from South African kids. He believes the country is allowing too many people without papers to live there. Many Zimbabweans are in South Africa without the right papers. Mashaba thinks this will make South Africans poorer and their schools overcrowded.

Mashaba Demands Expulsion Of Undocumented Zimbabwean Children From South African Schools

Zimbabwean female cross-border traders routinely experience sexual exploitation while attempting to smuggle goods into the country.
According to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) 2023 report tabled in Parliament, border employees, smugglers, and truck drivers are cited as key perpetrators, with reports of rape, robbery, and coercion for sexual favours.
Women using illegal entry points are particularly vulnerable as they fear arrest if they report these crimes. The ZGC, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, conducted an investigation at Plumtree Border Post to substantiate allegations of abuse. The report reads in part:
<blockquote>
This was a culmination of social media reports indicating the prevalence of sexual crimes of rape and various forms of GBV being perpetrated on women trying to cross the border and smuggling of commodities across the border.
This gave birth to the need to gather countrywide information as it was discovered that these were not isolated incidences and that women cross-border traders were facing systemic gender issues at ports of entry and exits.
</blockquote>
According to the report, some women reported being raped by robbers while using illegal entry points. 
However, it was difficult for some to report such cases to the police because they occurred during an illegal act. The victims feared they would also be arrested for using undesignated ports of entry.
The report also noted a lack of basic facilities for cross-border traders, such as bathrooms and safe houses.
These amenities are crucial for providing temporary shelter and protection, especially for breastfeeding mothers and deportees.
In areas like Chirundu and Kariba, where communities are located within game reserves, cross-border traders face additional risks from wildlife, including attacks by baboons, lions, and elephants.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Female cross-border traders in Zimbabwe often face sexual exploitation by border employees, smugglers, and truck drivers. Some women have reported rape, robbery, and coercion for sexual favors while trying to cross the border. They are afraid to report these crimes because they fear arrest. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission conducted an investigation and found that these abuses were not isolated incidents. Some women have been raped while using illegal entry points, but they are scared to report it to the police. There is also a lack of basic facilities for traders, like bathrooms and safe houses. In some areas, traders face dangers from wildlife like baboons, lions, and elephants.

Sexual Exploitation Of Female Cross-Border Traders Rampant

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) says it has stopped 410 000 people attempting to enter the country illegally since the deployment of the first cohort of the border guards in July 2022.
Briefing journalists on Monday on the entity’s festive season preparation, BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato said that the majority of those were arrested, fingerprinted, declared undesirable for a period of five years, and deported. He added:
<blockquote>
Further, we have been able to detect about 312 high-value vehicles which were meant to illegally exit the country to other jurisdictions in the continent.
In this regard, the matters were handed over to SAPS detectives for further investigations.
</blockquote>
Masiapato also said the BMA will start using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to improve security at the country’s borders. He said:
<blockquote>
Whilst awaiting the delivery of our drones, in this festive season we have forged a partnership with the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development which will be deploying their drones to assist us with an enhanced level of border security and domain awareness at problematic vulnerable segments, the ports and the corridors.
Drone operations will be supported by mobile reaction units which would be situated at, or closer to, the ports of entry to allow for quick reaction and apprehension of illegal migrants and other cross-border criminals.
</blockquote>
He reminded all travellers leaving and or entering South Africa to ensure that all their travel documents are in order. Said Masiapato:
<blockquote>
As required by international protocols, all travellers should be in possession of a valid machine-readable passport and a valid visa where applicable.
Furthermore, travellers are reminded that their passports should have at least one empty page in order to enable the BMA immigration team members to accordingly stamp the passports as required.
This message is also relevant during the return leg in January 2025 as all travellers are expected to present themselves at the designated ports of entry to enter South Africa.
As for those wishing to cross the border using financed vehicles, they should be in possession of a letter from their financing institution authorising them to exit the country with the vehicle.
</blockquote>
Parents wishing to travel with minor children have been advised to have the child’s unabridged birth certificate with them, unless the child’s details are endorsed in the parents’ passport. Said Masiapato:
<blockquote>
In cases where one parent is traveling with a child in the absence of another parent, a consent letter from the absent parent granting permission to the other parent to exit the country with the child will be required.
This requirement is mainly applicable to South Africans intending to exit the country with children. 
Considering the expected high volumes in this festive period, we would like to appeal to all travellers to plan their travel early and exercise patience on the roads towards ports.
</blockquote>
Masiapato also said that the BMA will be deploying 69 additional personnel at selected busiest ports of entry to assist with the delivery of services and provision of technical support to the regular staff members.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa blocked 410,000 people from entering illegally since July 2022. They were arrested, fingerprinted, and deported. They also stopped high-value vehicles from leaving illegally. Drones will be used for security at the borders. Travelers must have valid passports and visas, and parents with children must have birth certificates or consent letters. 69 more personnel will be deployed at busy ports. They want travelers to plan early and be patient. The goal is to keep the borders safe and secure.

South Africa's Border Guards Blocks 410,000 Illegal Entries Since 2022

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has said the damage to the fence along the Limpopo border is creating challenges for its members deployed to protect the border.
As reported by <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-11-29-damaged-sa-zimbabwe-border-fence-a-challenge-for-soldiers-guarding-against-illegal-crossing-smuggling/">TimesLive</a>, soldiers deployed under “Operation Corona” recently took journalists on their daily patrols as they intensified their operations along the border.
The R37 million fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe has been cut, allowing Zimbabweans to cross into South Africa.
While parts of the fence still stand, some sections are missing, creating openings for illegal migrants and the transport of goods.
Operation Corona aims to ensure national border control and protect South Africa’s territorial integrity and its people in accordance with the constitution and international law.
This includes curbing cross-border crimes such as the illegal smuggling of dagga (cannabis), stolen vehicles, and undocumented people.
The deployment, covering 1,038 km from Pafuri to Rooibokkraal, started on September 1 and will continue until April 30, 2025.
The commander of Bravo Company, Maj Shihlangoma Mahlahlane, said the damaged fence poses a major challenge. He said:
<blockquote>
The fence is down because of the same people who are carrying groceries out. It was fine two years ago, but unfortunately, they took advantage that we are not all over to cut the fence for exits and entries.
It is extremely bad. It is very difficult to stop them because there are a lot of exits and that is where the contraband can cross over. When we patrol towards the east, they go towards the west because they know the area is vulnerable.
</blockquote>
Mahlahlane said another challenge is that people crossing the border take advantage of the no man’s land between SA and Zimbabwe, while a lot of people pay corrupt officials to cross over.
Capt Jacobus Theunissen, senior staff officer of operational communication at the joint operations division, said:
<blockquote>
We don’t have control over that but it does make our job much more difficult. Unfortunately, we are stretched to our maximum, with all our other commitments on other border lines we need to protect.
We are also assisting with illegal mining operations, Eskom and our deployment in [Democratic Republic of] Congo.
</blockquote>
On Thursday night, on the borderline a few metres from the Beitbridge post, South African soldiers pounced on three suspects.
One of the suspects, a mother, fled and left her child behind when she spotted the soldiers. A smuggler also ran away, leaving a fire in the bush.
The two women and the young boy were handed to military police, who will hand them over to the police.
About 12km away, at a second point, people crossing illegally ran away when they spotted soldiers.
They crossed back to the Zimbabwean side using man-made bridges on the Limpopo River. When they reached their side, the men threw insults at the South African soldiers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The fence along the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe is damaged, making it easy for people to cross illegally. The South African National Defence Force is trying to protect the border, but it's a big challenge. The damaged fence allows for illegal activities like smuggling goods and people. The soldiers are on patrol to stop this, but they are facing difficulties because of the damaged fence. They are also stretched thin with other duties. Some suspects were caught near the border, but others managed to escape back to Zimbabwe. It's a tough job for the soldiers to protect the border.

Damage To Limpopo Border Fence Creating Challenges For SANDF

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, has sentenced three illegal Zimbabwean nationals—Edison Ngamiko, Amos Hassan Masiya, and Edron Panashe Chisanako—to life imprisonment for the murder of two girls in Olievenhoutbosch.
As reported by <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/three-illegal-zimbabwean-nationals-sentenced-for-killing-two-girls-after-they-refused-to-sleep-with-them-09eea1b7-a098-4d97-a043-d4205d63b240">IOL</a>, each received two life terms for murder, along with 10 years for attempted murder and 12 months for being in the country illegally.
The incident occurred when the three men met the girls, aged 15, 16, and 23, at Mashanganeng Tavern on February 17, 2023, according to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana. Said Mahanjana:
<blockquote>
The girls requested money from the trio to purchase alcohol, and the men initially provided them with R40. When the girls asked for an additional R20 to pay a male companion who was going to accompany them home, the accused complied, bringing the total amount given to R60.
</blockquote>
Mahanjana said later that night, as the girls were leaving the tavern, the men followed them to Mamello Street.
Chisanako demanded sexual favours from the 15-year-old girl, who refused, prompting the 16-year-old to reprimand him.
In response, Chisanako pulled out a gun and shot the 16-year-old in the neck, and she collapsed. Said the NPA spokesperson:
<blockquote>
He then shot the other two girls multiple times, leading to their deaths at the scene. A shot fired during the chaos hit Ngamiko accidentally and then upon realising that the 16-year-old was still alive, Ngamiko attempted to finish the job, but the firearm had run out of bullets, thereafter they fled the scene.
</blockquote>
The 16-year-old girl crawled home and reported the shooting. Police later found the bodies of the two girls while patrolling the area at night.
An investigation led to the arrest of Ngamiko three days later while he was being treated for a gunshot wound.
Masiya was arrested on unrelated charges on October 9, 2023, and subsequently connected to the murders. He identified Chisanako, who was arrested the following day.
During the trial, all three pleaded not guilty; Ngamiko and Masiya acknowledged the incident but blamed Chisanako, who denied being present.
During sentencing, the defence requested leniency from the court, arguing that the defendant had family responsibilities in Zimbabwe.
However, the prosecution argued that the men showed no remorse and were connected to other violent crimes, including robbery and housebreaking.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three men from Zimbabwe were sent to jail for life in South Africa for killing two girls. The girls refused to sleep with them, so the men shot them. One girl survived and told the police. The men were caught and found guilty in court. They have to stay in jail forever for murder. The men also got other punishment for having a gun and being in the country illegally. The men tried to say sorry, but the court did not believe them.

Three Zimbabwean Men Get Life Terms For Killing Two Girls In South Africa After They Refused To Sleep With Them

The parents of 14 Zimbabwean children from Tsholotsho, who were detained in Botswana for 48 days while trying to travel to South Africa without proper documents, said that they deeply regret the incident.
They said they have learned a valuable lesson and are committed to obtaining the necessary travel documentation in the future.
The children, who missed three weeks of school, were reunited with their families last Friday.
One parent, Milikani Moyo, originally from Sasedza Village and now residing in South Africa, told the<a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/stuck-in-botswana-for-on-travel-documentation/"> Chronicle</a> that he had nearly lost hope of ever seeing his child, a Form One student at Tshithatshawa Secondary School, again. He said:
<blockquote>
I was overjoyed when my wife sent pictures of my child after the children were handed over to them. I was even beginning to doubt if they were alive because they did not want us to see them when we went there.
I will never take another chance again; I will try and put money together so that I get my child a passport.
</blockquote>
Another parent, Nomalungelo Ndlovu from Msigwana Village said it was hard for her to imagine how her six-year-old child was coping without her. She said:
<blockquote>
It is a risk that we had taken, but it backfired hard on me. My child is only six years old, and I do not know how he survived without me all this time.
We now have to work hard with their teachers to assist the children to catch up with others.
</blockquote>
Councillor Esau Siwela said they will educate their community about the dangers of making children travel without relevant documents.
However, Criswell Nyakudya, the Matabeleland South Provincial Social Welfare Department Officer, said the parents of the children should have been arrested for facilitating their trafficking. Said Nyakudya:
<blockquote>
It is illegal to go outside the country without proper documents and to let children travel without any adult accompanying them.
The parents and the omalayitsha who do that must be arrested for breaching the Children’s Act. Before they departed from Botswana, the director of social welfare in that country should have communicated with our director to alert us of the move.
The children should have been placed at the immigration centre so that proper profiling and investigations are done.
We could not turn them back when they were already in the country, but the law of dealing with the matter was not followed.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwean parents frequently send their children to South Africa unaccompanied for various reasons.
One significant factor is the high cost of obtaining a passport in Zimbabwe. An ordinary passport, which takes seven days to process, costs US$150, while those in South Africa must pay US$250 at the Consulate in Johannesburg.
This financial burden makes it difficult for parents to secure proper documentation for their children.
During holiday periods, particularly in December, many Zimbabwean parents prefer their children to visit them in South Africa rather than return to Zimbabwe themselves. This leads to children travelling alone.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Fourteen children from Zimbabwe were detained in Botswana for 48 days for trying to travel to South Africa without proper documents. The parents regret the incident and have learned a lesson. The children, who missed school, were finally reunited with their families. Some parents almost lost hope of seeing their children again. The community will be educated about the dangers of children traveling without proper documents. It is illegal to let children travel without adults. Parents struggle to afford passports due to high costs. Many Zimbabwean parents send children to South Africa alone during holidays.

14 Zimbabwean Children Detained In Botswana For 48 Days Are Finally Reunited With Their Families

The receding water levels in the Zambezi River, which separates Zambia and Zimbabwe, have led to a surge in the number of people illegally crossing the border between the two neighbouring countries, according to Morgan Moyo, the Acting Immigration Regional Manager.
Moyo revealed this development during a recent visit by a delegation from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce to the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post.
The reduced water volume in the Zambezi River is a consequence of the El Niño weather pattern, which negatively impacted the 2023/24 rainy season, resulting in very low rainfall.
Typically, the crocodile-infested Zambezi River, when in flood, acts as a deterrent, helping to reduce cases of illegal border crossings.
However, the current low water levels have made the river less of a barrier, enabling more people to enter and leave the country through various illegal crossing points along the river and within the national park.
Moyo acknowledged that the border has become more porous, with individuals now able to move freely between Zambia and Zimbabwe without going through the official border crossing points.
This development has raised concerns about the potential for increased illegal activities, such as smuggling and human trafficking, as well as the risk of the spread of communicable diseases and the loss of tax revenue. Said Moyo (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/immigration-authorities-decry-spike-in-zimbabwe-zambia-border-jumping-due-to-receding-water-levels-on-zambezi-river/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
We used to be proud of our river, the Zambezi, it used to be always full and infested with crocodiles and was a deterrent enough to stop illegal crossing.
But as we are talking right now, the water has receded to levels that you have never seen before. People can now cross easily along any part of the Zambezi.
What that means is, all those illegal entrants are now taking advantage, and we cannot even monitor that because some crossing points are within the national park.
Chirundu One-Stop Border Post is situated within a national park and what it means is that we cannot do land patrols in a national park lest we will be confused for poachers.
</blockquote>
Moyo said the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) management has pledged additional rangers to patrol the border and use drones to help spot border jumpers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zambezi River is lower, so more people are crossing the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe illegally. Before, the high water and crocodiles stopped them. Now, with less water, it's easier to cross. This could lead to more smuggling, human trafficking, and diseases. Officials are worried about losing tax money too. The border is now more porous, making it hard to monitor. More rangers and drones will be used to try to stop people from crossing illegally.

Reduced Zambezi River Levels Contribute To Surge In Border Jumping

A joint operation by South African security services last Friday resulted in the arrest of 208 undocumented immigrants. Of these, 176 were Zimbabwean nationals.
The group of border jumpers also included individuals from Mozambique and India. In a statement, Limpopo Province Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals have been deported.
At the same time, the Indian citizens are being held in custody pending deportation to their home country. Said Ledwaba:
<blockquote>
A joint operation executed by the South African Police Service in Limpopo province led to the arrest of 208 undocumented immigrants and the recovery of suspected stolen properties at Marble Hall and Groblersdall policing area under Sekhukhune District.
The main objective of the operation that commenced in the evening on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Leeuwfontein and surrounding farms until the next day on Friday, July 19, 2024, at about 11 am was to rid the area of illegal activities.
The Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals comprising adult and minor children were immediately deported to their respective policing borders after their arrests.
</blockquote>
South Africa hosts a significant number of foreign nationals, including both legal immigrants and illegal migrants who have entered the country in search of better economic prospects.
Some of the illegal immigrants take up jobs in industries such as agriculture, filling roles that are reportedly less desirable among the South African workforce. These positions often involve manual labour or other forms of menial work.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Last week, South Africa caught 208 people without proper papers, with 176 being from Zimbabwe. The police sent the Zimbabweans and Mozambicans back home. The Indians are still in jail until they can go back to India. The police want to stop illegal activities in the area. Some foreigners go to South Africa for work that local people don't want to do. Many immigrants there are looking for better lives.

176 Zimbabweans Deported From South Africa

Nine (9) Ethiopian nationals were on Thursday, 20 June, arraigned before a Zimbabwean court for contravening the Immigration Act.
Gezaheng Shuga (20), Caleb Gata Chess (18), Fasel Jamal (17), Kebarke Lumboro (15), Dereje Daniel (18), Dazala Nole (24), Mangesto Marzkos (25), Awol Mudoro(18) and Mohadin Girma appeared before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court.
The brief facts of the case are that on 25 April 2024, at Chirundu Border Post the accused persons entered Zimbabwe without valid permits in contravention of the Immigration Act.
Immigration officers received a tip-off that the nine Ethiopians were hiding at a house in Chirundu Heights.
Acting on the information, the immigration officers teamed up with police officers and searched the house where they found the accused persons locked in the house.
The Ethiopian border jumpers subsequently appeared before the courts and were warned, cautioned and discharged pending deportation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Nine Ethiopian Border Jumpers Arrested In Chirundu Heights

Zimbabwean and South African security forces have destroyed illegal bridges across the Limpopo River, which serves as the natural border between the two countries and also seized large quantities of smuggled goods in the past three weeks.
On the Zimbabwean side, immigration officials are dealing with child trafficking cases, with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) cracking down on import duty evasion and the smuggling of prohibited goods.
The Assistant Regional Immigration Officer at Beitbridge Canisia Magaya told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-sa-intensify-border-patrols/">State media</a> that between March 26 and April 5, they intercepted 59 illegal immigrants at Beitbridge Border Post. Some of the border jumpers were en route to South Africa while others had crossed into Zimbabwe. Said Magaya:
<blockquote>
We are not relenting in our efforts to minimise irregular migration through the border. Of the 59 intercepted between March 26 and April 5, 28 were boys and there were 31 girls.
In addition, seven cross-border bus operators were fined for facilitating illegal migration. During the same period, we also intercepted 10 undocumented Malawians and three Congolese nationals who have been taken to court for prosecution.
</blockquote>
She said the movement of children from both countries was common during public and school holidays. Added Magaya:
<blockquote>
Those with kids should have requisite documents, for instance, those travelling with guardians should in addition to a valid passport, have a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
</blockquote>
For one parent travelling with the child, an affidavit signed by the non-travelling parent is required, together with copies of the ID/passport of the parent.
Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson Colonel Malasela Ledwaba said they were conducting a high-density operation dubbed “Vala Umgodi” with the help of other security agents.
The Operation is targetting smugglers moving prohibited and counterfeit goods into or out of South Africa.
Col Ledwaba said the smugglers in some instances were using donkey-pulled carts or wood rafts and illegal bridges made from logs to move contraband.
He revealed that between Saturday and Sunday, they arrested 25 people for smuggling and seized goods worth thousands of rands along the Limpopo River.
Col Ledwaba said they have arrested a total number of 23 foreign nationals for contravention of immigration laws.
South African police also discovered abandoned mbanje worth thousands of rands weighing about 9,5kg while they were patrolling the borderline.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zim, SA Authorities Destroy Illegal Limpopo Bridges

Three poachers from Zambia, who were arrested on Tuesday in Katombola, near the Kazungula border post in Matabeleland North Province, have been jailed for an effective nine years each.
Their crimes included poaching, illegal possession of ivory, and illegal entry into Zimbabwe.
As reported by ZBC News, the three Zambian nationals, Liston Muchelo (22), Alex Kakoma (22) and Martin Silishebo (36), were arrested on Tuesday. At the same time, two of their accomplices were shot dead while the other one escaped.
The poachers were killed during a firefight with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) rangers.
The court heard that on 19 March 2024, the three accused persons and their accomplices entered Zimbabwe from Botswana through a bushy area near the Kazungula border post, an ungazetted entry port.
While in Zimbabwe, the accused persons proceeded to the Magumbeze area on the Zimbabwean side, intending to cross to Zambia.
Whilst the accused persons were at the bank of Zambezi River, they were spotted by Zimparks rangers on patrol who then laid an ambush on them.
The accused persons are said to have fired two shots at game rangers and an exchange of gunfire ensued, claiming the lives of two of the poachers identified as Morris Muchelo and another as just Nickson.
Three of the poachers were then arrested leading to the recovery of 15 elephant tusks weighing 128.82 kilogrammes, firearms and six live rounds of ammunition.
The three, who appeared at Victoria Falls Magistrates Courts on Thursday, March 21, were sentenced to an effective nine years imprisonment each.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three Poachers From Zambia Sentenced To Nine Years Imprisonment Each

The South African Police Service (SAPS) seized nine inflatable boats that were being used by smugglers on Wednesday afternoon at Chirumbu east of Musina in Vhembe District.
The boats were allegedly being used by gangs to assist undocumented migrants in crossing into the country.
In a statement, SAPS said the smuggling ring was busted under the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The joint Law Enforcement Agencies through Operation Vala Umgodi on Wednesday afternoon, 21 February 2024, seized nine inflatable boats at Chirumbu east of Musina in Vhembe District.
Members of the SAPS K9 Unit, Border Policing Teams and the SANDF followed information about the smuggling of illegal immigrants and counterfeit goods at the sandbank of the Limpopo River.
The suspects evaded arrest by fleeing on foot upon realizing that they were being cornered, abandoning inflatable boats.
Subsequently, Police seized the boats, which are expected to be disposed of.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South African Police Seize Nine Boats Used To Facilitate Border Jumping

Three Zimbabwean nationals were arrested in South Africa for allegedly assaulting a truck driver who tried to assist police giving chase to their bus on Sunday night.
<a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-01-23-truck-driver-assaulted-after-assisting-police-chasing-bus-overloaded-with-unruly-passengers/">TimesLive</a> reported that the bus was overloaded with unruly passengers.
The driver, who is Zimbabwean, and two other Zimbabwean nationals who were passengers, were arrested for alleged assault, reckless and negligent driving, illegal immigration, damage to property and obstruction of justice.
The bus was spotted on the Ben Schoeman Highway coming from the Fountains area and travelling in the direction of Centurion by Tshwane metro police department (TMPD) officers in the accident unit.
The bus was carrying too many passengers with some passengers reportedly crowded behind the front windscreen next to the driver.
TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said when the bus was stopped, the driver produced a Zimbabwean driving licence and passport and a fake cross-border permit. He said:
<blockquote>
Passengers on the bus instructed the driver to drive away from the scene.
</blockquote>
Mahamba said the officers gave chase and instructed the driver to stop, but he refused. Said Mahamba:
<blockquote>
The TMPD members called for backup from the overload control unit, regional members from Centurion, the tactical response team and the crime prevention unit.
While they were in pursuit a truck driver who saw what was happening tried to block the bus and the vehicle stopped.
Zimbabwean nationals exited the bus and allegedly assaulted the truck driver.
</blockquote>
He said the driver of the bus drove into the TMPD vehicle.
The bus driver and two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested while other bus occupants ran away.
South Africa is struggling to prevent hundreds of Zimbabweans from illegally crossing the border daily. 
Reports suggest that millions of Zimbabweans reside in South Africa, with the majority having crossed the border in search of better economic opportunities.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans Assault Truck Driver For Blocking Their Bus While Fleeing Police In SA

A Zimbabwean bus driver abandoned his vehicle and 78 passengers during a stop and search operation in Moretele in the North West, South Africa on Wednesday.
The Department of Community Safety and Transport said immigration officials established that all of the passengers were undocumented Zimbabweans, reported <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/bus-driver-flees-during-north-west-police-roadblock-abandoning-78-undocumented-passengers-20240111">News24</a>.
The bus was en route to Johannesburg when officers stopped it on the R101 on Wednesday. The driver fled on foot.
Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson Tshegofatso Lucas Mothibedi said that traffic police handed the case over to the police.
The police took the passengers to the Makapanstad police station to verify their documents before impounding the vehicle.
Immigration officials established that all the passengers including the driver were undocumented.
Some of the passengers were released and others were taken into custody.
North West Community Safety and Transport Management Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Sello Lehari commended authorities for enforcing the law.
According to a <a href="https://arjess.org/social-sciences-research/causes-of-irregular-migration-of-people-from-zimbabwe-to-south-africa-in-the-post-mugabe-regime.pdf">report</a>, nearly 3.4 million Zimbabweans have migrated to South Africa due to economic hardship, unemployment and political persecution.
A report by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in August 2020 said that hundreds of people cross the border illegally from Zimbabwe into South Africa daily.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Bus Driver Abandons 78 Undocumented Passengers At Police Roadblock In SA

Thirteen (13) Ethiopians were arrested in Victoria Falls at a house in the city where they were hiding after illegally entering the country, reported the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/13-ethiopians-arrested-for-entering-the-country-illegally/">Chronicle</a>.
The Ethiopians allegedly entered Zimbabwe through an undesignated entry point from Zambia with the help of some locals as they were found at a house where they had been offered a hideout by the occupants.
Police acted on a tip-off after a community member suspected that some foreigners were hiding at the house.
Police then visited the house and found the foreigners without travel documents. The illegal immigrants, all men, range between late 20s to early 40s in age.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson for Matabeleland North Inspector Glory Banda could not readily comment on the issue as he was out of office on Monday, 25 December.
Illegal immigration occurs in various parts of Africa and is attributed to poverty, conflict, political instability, and lack of economic opportunities in certain countries.
Over the past few years, scores of illegal immigrants en route to South Africa have been intercepted by Zimbabwean authorities and deported.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Police Arrest 13 Ethiopian Border Jumpers

Forty-one undocumented Zimbabweans were arrested in South Africa for illegal chrome mining.
In a statement, police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspects will appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court this Thursday. Said Ledwaba:
<blockquote>
The suspects were apprehended during a joint intelligence operation conducted by the members of the Provincial Illegal Mining Task Team, Provincial Organised Crime Unit together with the RR Undercover Security Company at Ga-Phasha village under Sefateng mine jurisdiction in Mecklenburg policing precinct at about 23:30.
Police received information about illegal mining activities taking place in the area and swiftly reacted. Upon arrival, police found the suspects busy mining a precious metal (chrome) at the mine without authorisation.
When the suspects saw police, they ran into the nearby bushes and others went inside the self-made tunnels to avoid being nabbed.
Police confiscated 12 generators and 10 jackhammers all valued at R170 000 as well as chrome ore worth R1 million from the suspects.
</blockquote>
Ledwaba said the suspects are all male and aged between 18 and 43. 41 are undocumented Zimbabweans, one is a Mozambican national and there is also a South African citizen.
Ledwaba vowed that South African police will stop at nothing in ensuring that illegal miners are arrested and prosecuted.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

41 Zimbabwean Border Jumpers Arrested In SA For Illegal Chrome Mining

A 22-seater bus travelling from Zimbabwe to Cape Town, South Africa, was intercepted on N1 in South Africa while carrying 36 undocumented Zimbabwean passengers.
Transport spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said the bus was stopped at around 8 AM last Friday morning along the N1 on the Mashishing and Silicone bypass. Said Chuene in a statement:
<blockquote>
It was later discovered that the overloaded vehicle did not have an operating permit to travel in South Africa and the SAPS and Department of Home Affairs will conduct investigations and verification of the legal travelling documents.
… We call on all foreign drivers to respect the laws of the country and apply for proper documents when entering the country.
</blockquote>
South Africa is currently on a blitz against undocumented immigrants and in the coming months, the neighbouring country is expected to deport thousands of Zimbabweans whose permits were not renewed.

22-seater Zimbabwean Kombi With 32 Undocumented Passengers Impounded In SA

An Ethiopian illegal immigrant in transit to South Africa was reportedly left for dead by his colleagues in Zimbabwe after a car accident.
Tsegaye Summu (28), travelled with others in September and while in Zvishavane, a mining town in Midlands Province, a kombi they had hired was involved in an accident.
The other passengers reportedly escaped unhurt and had to look for alternative transport to proceed with their journey and left Summu by the roadside unconscious.
Summu was taken to Zvishavane Hospital under police guard and later moved to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for better care.
On Friday last week, he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Busani Sibanda charged with entering Zimbabwe without a valid permit.
However, the state couldn’t establish on which date and through which port of entry Summu entered the country.
Summu was fined and awaits deportation from Zimbabwe. | <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/ethiopian-man-in-transit-to-sa-bust-in-zimbabwe-after-being-left-for-dead-in-road-accident-20230115">News24</a>

Ethiopian Border Jumper In Car Accident Left For Dead In Zimbabwe

Eighty-four (84) Malawian immigrants are languishing in Zimbabwean prisons after they were arrested for travelling without requisite documents.
It is believed that the majority of the immigrants had no intention of staying in Zimbabwe but were travelling to South Africa.
Malawi’s deputy ambassador to Zimbabwe Elias Mpaso confirmed that scores of Malawians are detained in Zimbabwean prisons saying the embassy was making efforts to repatriate them. He said:
<blockquote>
Last Friday we had 84 Malawian nationals in Zimbabwean jails. There are 66 males at Harare Remand Prison and 18 females at Chikurubi. These people were arrested in different parts of Zimbabwe.
However, the government is trying its best to repatriate them, we are still waiting for the Foreign Affairs Department to officially inform us. We are also sourcing funds from Malawi for their repatriation.
In Malawi, the repatriation process is done in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Food Disaster Management to take our citizens back to Malawi.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe does not have holding facilities for immigrants awaiting deportation and as a result, border jumpers are imprisoned.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) said it is a violation of the immigrants’ human rights to put them in prisons together with convicted criminals. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002578/84-malawian-migrants-languish-in-zim-prisons">NewsDay</a>

84 Malawian Border Jumpers Languish In Zim Prisons

A Three Star Coaches bus driver and conductor accused of facilitating the illegal entry of 21 Malawian citizens into the country have been convicted of contravening the Immigration Act.
Kudakwashe Samukange and Tafengenyasha both pleaded guilty when they appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda.
Allegations were that on 4 September 2022, Samukange and Tafengenyasha picked up 21 Malawian nationals in Blantyre.
Along the way, the duo gave their Malawian passengers passports bearing other people’s names to ensure their entry into Zimbabwe.
Upon arrival at Nyamapanda Border Post, Immigration officials denied the Malawians entry into Zimbabwe.
However, Samukange and Tafengenyasha advised the 21 Malawian nationals to use an illegal entry point.
The duo later picked up the Malawians after the border crossing, on the Zimbabwean side.
Acting on a tip-off, police officers from Highlands Police Station in Harare mounted a roadblock at Shamva tollgate.
When the bus was stopped by the police officers, the passengers produced passports bearing other people’s names, leading to their arrest.
Samukange and Tafengenyasha were set to be sentenced on 8 September 2022. | <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/human-smugglers-bus-crew-convicted-of-trafficking-21-malawians/">H-Metro</a>

Zimbabwean Bus Crew In Court For Trafficking 21 Malawians

One hundred and forty-eight (148) Malawian nationals were each sentenced to between four and six months in prison while awaiting deportation by Chivhu and Mvuma magistrates respectively after they sneaked into Zimbabwe without travel documents.
65 of the travellers were intercepted by Police in Chivhu while 83 were arrested in Mvuma.
Chivhu Magistrate Henry Sande sentenced the group of 65 to four months imprisonment wholly suspended pending deportation.
Prosecutors told the court that on Monday, police officers manning a roadblock at the 141-kilometre peg along Harare-Masvingo Road intercepted 65 Malawians travelling by road.
The foreign nationals were aboard two buses; Boundary with registration number AFQ 5485 and Sarge with registration number JF24GLGP.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers discovered that there were 55 passengers on the Sarge bus and 11 passengers on the other bus.
All 65 passengers were travelling with no valid documents permitting them to enter or remain in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, 83 Malawians who were intercepted at the 188-kilometre peg along Chivhu–Masvingo road appeared at the Mvuma Magistrates Court, for a similar offence.
The group was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment wholly suspended pending deportation.
More: <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/148-malawians-nabbed-without-travelling-documents/">The Mirror</a>

148 Malawians Jailed For Sneaking Into Zimbabwe, Await Deportation

One hundred and fifty-four (154) illegal immigrants are currently being held at the Harare Remand Prison.
This came out when Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs toured Harare prisons recently.
Officer Commanding Harare Remand Prison Chief Superintendent Charles Nyamasoka told the Committee that one illegal immigrant had spent close to a decade in remand custody without a resolution to his case. He said:
<blockquote>
Of the 1 485 inmates we have, 154 are prohibited immigrants with some having overstayed.
</blockquote>
Some of the immigrants are from countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 675px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="900" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FUrjblMaMAEb4Q3?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" width="675"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Inside a Zimbabwean prison (Image shared on Twitter by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono)</figcaption></figure>
Harare Remand Prison has a holding capacity of 900, but at present has 1 485 inmates.
People kept in remand prison are suspected criminals who have not been convicted of a crime, but are kept in the prison awaiting trial.
In the case of illegal immigrants, they are kept in custody for trial or resolution of their case and have been refused bail.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/154-foreign-nationals-in-remand/">The Herald</a></h4>

154 Foreign Nationals At Harare Remand Prison

Zimbabwe is set to deport six Kenyan nationals who were arrested in Beitbridge last month for entering the country illegally.
The Kenyans were arrested at the Beitbridge Border Post on 27 May at around 2 AM as they entered Zimbabwe.
They were coming from South Africa and were travelling by road in transit to Kenya.
The six Kenyan border jumpers are Musa Abdullahi Hussein (44), Mohamed Abdille (43), Ali Mohamed Abdi (37), Hussein Harun Bullo (34), Muhamed Abdirahman Issack (34) and Ibrahimbashir Durow (34).
They were arrested at a security checkpoint as they left the border after it was discovered that they had fake Zimbabwean immigration date stamps.
The police found out that their travel documents had an immigration date stamp that didn’t exist and they implicated a bogus immigration officer.
The six appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Annia Chimweta on Monday charged with violating the Immigration Act.
They were convicted and cautioned against repeating the same offence.
Prosecutor Esnath Vengedza told the magistrate court that on arrival at the Beitbridge border, the Kenyans engaged the services of a bogus immigration officer, who stamped two passports and travel documents and charged them for his “services”.
The six Kenyans are still in custody pending deportation.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/zimbabwe-arrests-six-kenyans-over-illegal-entry-3833174">The East African</a></h4>

Six Kenyan Border Jumpers Await Deportation

Ten (10) Zimbabwean nationals have been sentenced to two years in prison by a South African court for illegal mining activities in the Giyani area under Limpopo province.
The gang was arrested in South Africa by the Hawks on 14 May last year after the elite police unit received information about people who were en route from Phalaborwa to Giyani to sell gold.
The Hawks intercepted the vehicle near the Giyani shopping complex and upon searching the vehicle, the police found unwrought gold, pastel, scale, and mine detectors worth over R900 000 as well as R3800 cash.
The jailed are Mpathise Tshuma (29), Decent Ngwenya (22), Lamulani Sibanda (31), Skhumbuzo Mkandla (21), Ocean Mpofu (28), Prince Ndlovu (27), Brandon Nyoni (22), Clive Moyo (29), Tawanda Ndebele (33) and Philani Ndlovu (33).
Hawks’ spokesperson for Limpopo, Captain Matimba Maluleke said the Zimbabwean nationals were also found guilty of violating that country’s immigration laws. Said Maluleke:
<blockquote>
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation would like to welcome the sentencing of ten (10) unlawful gold dealers by the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Friday (1 April 2022.
The accused persons who are all Zimbabwean nationals were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members assisted by Giyani Police and Local Criminal Record Centre members on 14 May 2021.
… The accused appeared several times in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges.
The court sentenced them to two (2) years imprisonment for contravention of the Precious Metal Act of which one year is suspended and six months imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/10-zimbabweans-jailed-for-illegal-mining-in-sa/">Chronicle</a></h4>

10 Zimbabwean Border Jumpers Jailed For Illegal Mining In SA

Five Zimbabwean border jumpers have been sentenced to a one-year jail term each for irregular entry.
They were also being accused of illegally panning for gold in Francistown, Botswana but the court acquitted them of the charge due to lack of evidence.
Msix Moyo (42), Phumulani Moyo (27), Peter Moyo (23), Attiwel Ndlovu (23) and a 17-year-old juvenile denied the illegal mining charge when they appeared before Francistown chief magistrate Mareledi Dipate.
They, however, admitted to the charge of irregular entry into the neighbouring country.
In mitigation of the irregular entry charge, Phumulani and Peter pleaded with the court not to hand them a custodial sentence.
Notwithstanding, the magistrate sentenced them to one year in prison backdated to the time they were incarcerated following their arrest on November 15, 
2021.
The court heard that the Botswana Defence Forces arrested the five on November 15 last year while they were allegedly panning for gold at Old Matsiloje Mine.
They were handed over to the police and were found with two bags full of stones suspected to be gold ore.
After probing, the police discovered that they were illegal immigrants who entered the country through the Ramokgwebana Border Post without documents.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/botswana-court-jails-5-zimbos-for-illegal-entry/">NewsDay Zimbabwe</a>

Five Zimbabweans Jailed In Botswana Over Illegal Entry

South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said that the country is working on restructuring its immigration laws.
This comes after South Africa discontinued the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) towards the end of 2021.
The special permits that were granted to about 200 000 Zimbabwean nationals allowing them to live and work in the neighbouring country.
But holders of the permit were given a 12 month grace period, that is, until 31 December 2022, to apply for other permits which they may qualify for.
Speaking on a South African television channel, SABC, on Monday, Pandor said this will pave the way for the country to deal with its pressing matters around migration. She said:
<blockquote>
It is important that we do have proper immigration in our country to address all concerns that are out there and some of the prejudices that are evident in some parts of our society.
</blockquote>
Over the past several weeks, South African authorities have been rounding up undocumented Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals for deportation as the country intensifies its fight against border jumping.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/south-africa-on-the-path-to-fixing-its-immigration-laws-minister-pandor/">SABC News</a></h4>

South Africa On The Path To Fixing Its Immigration Laws - Minister

Mmusi Maimane, the leader of the One SA movement, has blamed ZANU PF for what he calls the “immigration challenges” South Africa is facing.
Hundreds of Zimbabweans allegedly attempt to cross the border into South Africa daily using undesignated entry points to buy groceries, seek medical care or jobs, among other reasons.
As a result, over the past few weeks, South African authorities have arrested and deported hundreds of undocumented Zimbabweans.
Posting on Twitter, Maimane claimed South Africa’s refusal to deal with “tyranny” in Zimbabwe has resulted in the “immigration challenges” the southern African country is facing. <a href="https://twitter.com/MmusiMaimane/status/1484033111344168960?s=20">Said Maimane:</a>
<blockquote>
The immigration challenges that we are facing are because the SA government enabled a brutal and corrupt regime to terrorise its citizens for 42 years.
While there is tyranny in our neighbourhood, we will not be able to deal with the challenges of immigration.
This man @edmnangagwa and his party the ZANU PF are the root cause of this crisis and they have cost not only South Africa but all the countries in SADC.
From the Gukurahundhi massacres to this very date, the impact of the Mugabe, Mnangagwa eras has been a mass exodus.
Unless we talk about free and fair elections in Zimbabwe we are dealing with symptoms and not root causes.
Unless we talk about the respect for human rights and political rights in Zimbabwe, we are playing games and performing politics.
Panado does not cure cancer.
</blockquote>
This week, another opposition figure in South Africa, Julius Malema, has been visiting local businesses to assess the employment ratio of locals and foreign nationals.
South Africans generally accuse foreigners of taking away their jobs, and their anger has often been expressed through xenophobic attacks.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Maimane Blames ZANU PF For "Immigration Challenges" In South Africa

MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa said the opposition party is concerned about the plight of hundreds of thousands of Zimbabwean economic refugees in South Africa.
In a tweet on Friday, Chamisa said, once in power, the MDC Alliance will ensure there is a vibrant economy that will allow Zimbabweans to return to their homeland. <a href="https://twitter.com/nelsonchamisa/status/1479369459575967744">Chamisa said</a>:
<blockquote>
To all Zimbabweans living in South Africa, we are concerned about you, your challenges and seized with your situation.
We have opened platforms of engagement. Ultimately, we must fix our home base and that which has destroyed our beautiful and great country.
The immigration crisis facing the region is a result of too much diplomacy and too little action on the rigging of elections, governance deficits and multiple rights violations.
In order to solve the immigration challenges, we must end elections rigging and citizens repression.
</blockquote>
Chamisa’s remarks come after South Africa discontinued special permits (Zimbabwe Exemption Permits) that benefited about 200 000 Zimbabweans living and working in the neighbouring country.
Hundreds of undocumented Zimbabweans cross the border into South Africa daily, and this has forced Pretoria to tighten its regulations and beef up security to keep them out.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chamisa-laments-zim-sa-migration-crisis/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Chamisa "Concerned" About Zimbabweans Living In South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Friday intercepted a pickup truck with 14 illegal immigrants, mostly women, from Zimbabwe to Gauteng.
According to <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/gauteng-police-stop-bakkie-with-14-illegal-immigrants-rom-zimbabwe/">SABC</a>, undocumented immigrants claimed that they each paid the driver R1 500 to transport them to Johannesburg.
SAPS also arrested the driver for bribery after he allegedly offered the law enforcement a certain amount for them to be allowed to go through. SAPS posted on Twitter:
<blockquote>
#sapsGP 14 illegal immigrants travelling from Zimbabwe to Gauteng were arrested by Gauteng police during operation #OkaeMolao. The driver was also arrested for bribery after he offered law enforcement officials an amount of money for them to be allowed to go through. ML
</blockquote>
This comes after South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi last week accused Zimbabwe’s security forces deployed at the Beitbridge Border Post of taking bribes to let undocumented immigrants into that country.
Motsoaledi claimed that South Africa border security authorities told him that Zimbabwean soldiers were receiving bribes from border jumpers to allow them into the neighbouring country.
An SANDF officer told Motsoaledi that they had communicated with the Zimbabwean army commanders about the issue of corrupt soldiers but apparently nothing was done to address it.
<h3>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h3>

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