Touts, conmen, pickpockets and prostitutes have allegedly “taken over” the Beitbridge border post with congestion now a permanent feature at SADC’s busiest inland port of entry.
Touts have become a nuisance for travellers as they are harassing motorists and travellers as well as demanding fees to assist them with border formalities.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) acting spokesperson Inzwirashe Muwonwa said State security agents and guards have been heavily deployed to ensure that order prevails. She said:
We have put in place State security personnel and our own guards to manage and screen all travellers entering the border.
There are also State security personnel and guards patrolling the area inside the borders to manage and flush out touts and any other unauthorised persons found in the controlled area.
These security agents are empowered to arrest and fine any offender, including touts found inside the border area.
Muwonwa advised members of the public to demand identification from ZIMRA officials who have their work identity cards hung on their necks.
