OVER 72 000 Zimbabweans have been repatriated from South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post following anti-migrant violence in that country.
ZimBorders Consortium manager, Nqobile Ncube, said the border post had recorded significant movement of people after the government facilitated the safe return of its citizens while also supporting regional humanitarian transit arrangements.
“Zimbabwe has repatriated 72 658 citizens through Beitbridge following the anti-migrant violence in South Africa. In addition, 72 272 Malawian nationals have transited through Zimbabwe, bringing the total humanitarian movement through Beitbridge to over 144 900 people,” said Ncube.
Ncube said ZimBorders Consortium, which manages operations at the border facility, continued to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that travellers received necessary support during the repatriation and transit processes.
“The movement of such large numbers of people requires efficient coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders operating at the border. Our focus remains on ensuring that travellers are processed in a safe, orderly and humane manner,” he said.
Zimbabwe has previously assisted citizens returning from South Africa during periods of economic challenges and social unrest, using Beitbridge as the main entry point for repatriation programmes due to its strategic location and high volume of cross-border traffic.
Ncube said the border facility had put in place measures to manage increased passenger flows while maintaining effective immigration and customs procedures.
“Beitbridge remains a key regional corridor, and the ability to handle these movements reflects the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, technology and human resources at the border,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Beitbridge has handled more than 144 900 humanitarian movements involving Zimbabwean returnees and Malawian nationals transiting through the country.
