News / National
Chaos erupts at Beitbridge as travelers clash with Zimra officials
31 Dec 2024 at 13:50hrs | Views
Beitbridge's Dulibadzimu Bus Terminus turned into a scene of chaos on Monday when travelers clashed with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials during an operation targeting smuggled goods. The situation quickly escalated as passengers snatched their seized goods and fled, prompting a massive response from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Support Unit.
The confrontation began when travelers, who were waiting for their long-distance buses, suddenly rushed to the Zimra truck where their goods were being placed for collection. In a frantic dash, several passengers grabbed the goods and bolted in all directions, sparking a free-for-all at the bus rank. Passengers scrambled, some tripping over others in their desperate attempt to escape with the seized items.
A tense cat-and-mouse chase ensued as police officers pursued the fleeing individuals, but only one traveler was successfully apprehended. The scene became increasingly chaotic until reinforcements arrived in the form of the ZRP Support Unit, a heavily armed section of the police force. The sight of the armed officers quickly restored some order as travelers scattered, visibly intimidated by the increased security presence.
With the situation now under control, Zimra officials, under heavy guard, resumed their task of loading the confiscated goods onto the truck. These goods had been seized from travelers accused of attempting to smuggle items into the country. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling at the Beitbridge border, which has long been a hotspot for illicit trade.
By the time the sun set, the bus terminus had transformed into a militarized zone, with police officers stationed throughout the area. The presence of the heavily armed Support Unit seemed to leave many travelers dejected and fearful, with some quietly retreating into the shadows of the terminal.
The dramatic incident at the Beitbridge bus terminus highlights the ongoing tensions between border enforcement agencies and travelers, with smuggling being a major concern in the region. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, along with the police, continues to clamp down on illegal trade, but incidents like Monday's show the volatile nature of such operations, especially when large numbers of travelers are involved.
The confrontation began when travelers, who were waiting for their long-distance buses, suddenly rushed to the Zimra truck where their goods were being placed for collection. In a frantic dash, several passengers grabbed the goods and bolted in all directions, sparking a free-for-all at the bus rank. Passengers scrambled, some tripping over others in their desperate attempt to escape with the seized items.
A tense cat-and-mouse chase ensued as police officers pursued the fleeing individuals, but only one traveler was successfully apprehended. The scene became increasingly chaotic until reinforcements arrived in the form of the ZRP Support Unit, a heavily armed section of the police force. The sight of the armed officers quickly restored some order as travelers scattered, visibly intimidated by the increased security presence.
By the time the sun set, the bus terminus had transformed into a militarized zone, with police officers stationed throughout the area. The presence of the heavily armed Support Unit seemed to leave many travelers dejected and fearful, with some quietly retreating into the shadows of the terminal.
The dramatic incident at the Beitbridge bus terminus highlights the ongoing tensions between border enforcement agencies and travelers, with smuggling being a major concern in the region. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, along with the police, continues to clamp down on illegal trade, but incidents like Monday's show the volatile nature of such operations, especially when large numbers of travelers are involved.
Source - newsday
