KEY POINTS
- SADF ramps up patrols along South Africa-Zimbabwe border to counter smuggling and illegal crossings.
- Magumaguma gangs increasingly use donkey carts to transport contraband across the Limpopo River.
- Undocumented Zimbabweans continue crossing into South Africa despite heightened border security.
Soldiers from the South African Defence Forces (SADF) have heightened their vigilance by increasing patrols along the Malaladrift area, located at the South Africa-Zimbabwe border.
The move comes as security forces aim to prevent cross-border smuggling and illegal crossings, particularly as the festive season approaches.
Border activities tend to surge during the Christmas and New Year holidays, with many undocumented Zimbabwean nationals returning home.
SADF spokesperson Major Shilangoma Mahlahlane told SABC News that security forces are fully prepared for potential smuggling attempts and border jumpers.
“Our mandate is border safeguarding,” Mahlahlane said. “We are covering a 55-kilometre radius in this area. There are hotspots where vehicles are crossing, and hotspots where cigarettes and explosives are being smuggled. Our mission is clear: to disrupt these illegal activities and stop anything that’s not supposed to cross into South Africa.”
Magumaguma gangs use sophisticated methods to smuggle goods
Smuggling gangs, known as “magumaguma,” have become more sophisticated over time. These groups monitor SADF patrols from vantage points and use clever methods to sneak across the Limpopo River undetected.
In some cases, they have even resorted to using donkey-drawn carts to move contraband, taking advantage of the dry riverbed.
Despite tight security at Beitbridge Border Post, illegal crossings remain a major concern. Many undocumented Zimbabweans continue to cross the border, hoping to find better economic prospects in South Africa.
According to New Zimbabwe, others have turned to smuggling, transporting goods such as vehicles, drugs, cigarettes, fuel, and electrical appliances across the border.
Tight security at Beitbridge fails to stop illegal crossings
While security measures at Beitbridge are reportedly stringent, they have not been enough to curb the ongoing illegal activity.
The flow of people and goods across the border remains a significant challenge. Many Zimbabweans, fleeing their country’s struggling economy, enter South Africa without proper documentation, contributing to the rise in illegal smuggling operations.
“Even with the increased patrols, smugglers are still finding ways to cross,” Mahlahlane added. “We are doing our best, but it is an ongoing struggle.”
