Beitbridge residents protest import ban

Beitbridge residents are due to hold demonstrations at the border town today against Zimra's unpopular ban on importation of some goods from South Africa without permits.

However, police are said to have refused to clear a demonstration.

Bulawayo24.com understands that residents resolved this week to take to the streets to voice their anger at the move by the government.

They feel that thousands of families in the border town would be left without any source of income since survival in the border town is hinged on cross border activities.

Defiant residents where due to gather at Dulibadzimu Bus Terminus.

"Those who have passports are adviced to carry them since the battle is most likely to end at the South African side.

"The plan on the SA side is to blockade the border and turn back all trucks and other vehicles carrying goods from Zimbabwe" reads part of a message sent to residents.

"The Beitbridge Taxi Association(SA),The Musina Metre Taxi Association and residents in Musina have extended an invitation to the Beitbridge Crossborder Transporters Association and Beitbridge residents who are being refused their right to protest by the hostile and repressive state machinery (ZRP) to join them on the SA side".

However, the protests are not "politically driven".

"It is a response by ordinary people from across the political divide as well as the Beitbridge Crossborder Transporters Association which represents over 500 crossborder transporters in Beitbridge" added the message.