Opinion / Columnist
Extortion at Beitbridge border post Zimbabwe
2 hrs ago |
213 Views
Today I had an experience at Beitbridge Border Post that I believe deserves attention, not for drama, but for accountability and improvement. As a first-time user of the new biometric passport control gates, I was unaware that I needed to scan my passport before proceeding to the immigration desk. While walking toward the stamping desk, a man standing near the e-gates called me back and instructed me to scan my passport. He then took my passport and attempted to scan it on my behalf.
The system denied access twice. I observed that the passport was not being properly placed on the scanner.
After I questioned the process and pointed out that the machine indicated "manual verification required," he then placed it correctly, and the gate immediately granted access.
After my passport was stamped, the same individual approached me and demanded payment of R50 for "the job he did." When I asked whether he was officially employed by the government, he said yes. I requested a receipt or official ticket so I could pay through proper channels. He stated they do not issue receipts and insisted I give him any amount I had.
When I suggested we involve the police as witnesses since he claimed to be a government employee, he walked away. I refused to pay. This is not about R50. It raises important concerns:
-What happens to elderly travelers unfamiliar with the system?
-What about rural citizens who may feel intimidated?
-What about tourists entering Zimbabwe for the first time?
If individuals, whether official or unofficial, are soliciting cash without receipts at our borders, it risks damaging Zimbabwe's reputation and undermines the purpose of modernizing our infrastructure. Zimbabwe has invested in biometric technology to improve efficiency and security.
That progress should not be overshadowed by informal cash demands. I respectfully request that ZimBorders and the Government of Zimbabwe investigate:
- Whether personnel stationed at biometric gates are authorized to handle passports.
- Whether any fees are legally payable at that point without official receipts.
- Whether clear signage and public guidance can be improved to prevent exploitation.
Modern systems require modern accountability.
Zimbabwe deserves borders that are not only technologically advanced, but also transparent and professional.
This message is shared in good faith, not to attack, but to encourage corrective action where necessary.
Let us protect both our citizens and our national image.
The system denied access twice. I observed that the passport was not being properly placed on the scanner.
After I questioned the process and pointed out that the machine indicated "manual verification required," he then placed it correctly, and the gate immediately granted access.
After my passport was stamped, the same individual approached me and demanded payment of R50 for "the job he did." When I asked whether he was officially employed by the government, he said yes. I requested a receipt or official ticket so I could pay through proper channels. He stated they do not issue receipts and insisted I give him any amount I had.
When I suggested we involve the police as witnesses since he claimed to be a government employee, he walked away. I refused to pay. This is not about R50. It raises important concerns:
-What happens to elderly travelers unfamiliar with the system?
-What about rural citizens who may feel intimidated?
-What about tourists entering Zimbabwe for the first time?
If individuals, whether official or unofficial, are soliciting cash without receipts at our borders, it risks damaging Zimbabwe's reputation and undermines the purpose of modernizing our infrastructure. Zimbabwe has invested in biometric technology to improve efficiency and security.
That progress should not be overshadowed by informal cash demands. I respectfully request that ZimBorders and the Government of Zimbabwe investigate:
- Whether personnel stationed at biometric gates are authorized to handle passports.
- Whether any fees are legally payable at that point without official receipts.
- Whether clear signage and public guidance can be improved to prevent exploitation.
Modern systems require modern accountability.
Zimbabwe deserves borders that are not only technologically advanced, but also transparent and professional.
This message is shared in good faith, not to attack, but to encourage corrective action where necessary.
Let us protect both our citizens and our national image.
Source - online
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