Boterekwa Pass is now a hotspot for accidents and armed robbery

The Boterekwa Pass, a notorious 6km winding mountain stretch leading into Shurugwi, has earned a reputation among cross-border truckers for its treacherous bends that regularly cause accidents and vehicle failures. Whether ascending or descending, drivers face a formidable challenge, needing to exercise extreme caution and ensure their vehicles are in top condition.

Every day, heavy trucks struggle to navigate the steep ascent, often crawling at a snail's pace. Many fail to complete the demanding bends, suffering engine failures at various stages. Some trucks lose their brakes, resulting in devastating crashes, including fatal incidents where haulage trucks jackknife. The area is often filled with the alarming sounds of banging and crushing metal as accidents unfold.

Certain areas along the pass have earned ominous names like "Danger," "Wafa wafa," and "Red Zone." It's not unusual for truckers to encounter two or three broken-down vehicles during their journey. The situation has worsened recently due to illegal mining activities, which have further damaged the already challenging road infrastructure.

Adding to the perilous environment, the Boterekwa Pass has become a new hotspot for armed robbery. Armed robbers are taking advantage of stuck trucks and accidents to steal from drivers and ransack their vehicles. These criminals patrol the area at night, approaching stranded drivers and threatening them with knives and guns.

Mr. Romeo Shangwa, the Shurugwi District Development Coordinator, voiced concern over the alarming rise in crime along the pass. "We have had some worrisome reports along the Boterekwa Pass of late, with armed robbers patrolling the area and robbing truck drivers who are in their broken-down trucks. They also ransack trucks and loot goods."

Shangwa recalled a particularly harrowing incident involving a motorist whose truck got stuck on the pass. "The robbers were reportedly armed with guns and robbed their victim before forcing him to do some push-ups."

Mr. Runesu Mbalekwa, a truck driver who experienced the terror firsthand, recounted his ordeal on November 3. "I was on my way to Chirundu from Johannesburg when I got stuck at Boterekwa. When I reported the fault back in South Africa, I remained at the scene. At midnight, I was awakened by a harsh knock on the driver's door, only to realize I was being robbed. They took all the cash I had and ransacked my truck, leaving me stranded."

Local villager Mr. Aron Marufu, who lives at the foot of Boterekwa mountain, described the increasingly dangerous atmosphere. "My homestead is at the foot of Boterekwa mountain, and if accidents occur, we are the first to hear and witness them. Of late, we have been hearing gunshots, with robbers now patrolling the area before robbing motorists."

In response to the growing threat, Shurugwi police have initiated regular patrols along the Boterekwa Pass, aiming to deter robberies and improve the safety of motorists. The local community is hopeful that these efforts will restore a sense of security in an area that has become increasingly hazardous for truck drivers.