Increased military presence in Beitbridge

Beitbridge residents yesterday woke up to the sight of increased military and regular police presence following the massive riotous scenes on Friday.

All roads that had been blocked all day Friday by angry rioters were cleared and a tense but relatively calm atmosphere prevailed.

"People are afraid; people have stayed at home after noticing the presence of more policemen and soldiers," said Albert Ndou of Dulibadzimu.

Police arrested several suspects accused of masterminding the protests and they face allegations of destroying property during the riots.

These were the first riots to cause the closure of the border post since its establishment in 1929 when the Alfred Beitbridge linking South Africa and Zimbabwe was opened.

A State warehouse with thousands of dollars' worth of imported goods held in lieu of duty payment was razed in a raging fire. Cars held by Zimra were destroyed in the fire started by groups of protesters who fought running battles with police as they were driven from the border post.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) says it will go ahead and implement Statutory Instrument 64/2016 despite violent protests that have rocked Beitbridge town. Zimra issued a statement late on Friday stating that the ban on specified goods was there to stay.

"The authority is implementing SI 64 of 2016 as gazetted. Members of the public are encouraged to comply," read part of the statement.