Travellers stranded as bus services halt in Beitbridge

Hundreds of travellers, including cross-border traders and shoppers, were left stranded in Beitbridge on Wednesday after bus operators suspended services in response to a government-led anti-smuggling operation.

The suspension came amid fears of hefty fines and vehicle impoundments as authorities intensified efforts to curb smuggling along Zimbabwe's busiest border. The operation follows Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube's recent declaration of a “war on smuggling" during his 2025 national budget presentation.

The crackdown targets buses suspected of carrying undeclared goods, with penalties reaching up to US$60,000 per bus for violations. Commonly seized items include rice, sugar, dairy products, clothing, tyres, and electrical appliances.

Armed police and enforcement teams established checkpoints on roads leading to the Beitbridge border, redirecting vehicles without proper documentation to the customs yard. Meanwhile, goods deemed contraband are being stored in customs warehouses, and impounded buses are held in towns such as Masvingo, Beitbridge, and Harare.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has recruited additional workers to assist with the storage and cataloguing of confiscated items.

Beitbridge's Dulivhadzimu Bus Terminus became a scene of frustration as bus crews offloaded passengers and parked their vehicles. Many stranded travellers rely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods and are now uncertain about how to transport their goods.

The situation is especially challenging as the festive season approaches, a time when border traffic typically surges. Between 120 and 220 buses pass through Beitbridge daily, with many stopping in the town due to inadequate permits.

Informal traders, often referred to as "runners," who transport goods without proper documentation, have been significantly affected by the heightened enforcement measures.

The operation is part of a broader directive empowering Zimra to confiscate goods from importers without proof of customs duty payment. Additionally, retail outlets, including tuck shops, are being raided for suspected smuggled goods.

While the government aims to bolster revenue collection and curb illicit trade, the measures have caused widespread disruption. Cross-border trade, a vital economic activity for many, faces severe challenges, with potential long-term repercussions for traders and travellers.

As the crackdown continues, authorities are urging travellers and traders to comply with customs regulations, but questions remain about the broader impact on livelihoods and regional trade during the critical festive period.