Seasonal spike in smuggling and illegal crossings along Limpopo river

Communities along the Limpopo River, near Musina on the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe, are witnessing a seasonal surge in illegal crossings and smuggling as the riverbed dries. This phenomenon, which intensifies during the festive season, highlights economic challenges on both sides of the border.

The Ha Tshirundu settlement, located less than a kilometer from the Limpopo River on the South African side, has become a hub for smugglers and undocumented migrants. Local headman Malindi Kwinda confirmed the spike in activity, explaining that smuggled goods - mostly groceries, cooking oil, rice, and clothing - are transported via donkey carts or vehicles into Zimbabwe.

"We don't mind because the goods are mostly basic essentials," Kwinda told Daily Maverick.

Smuggling operations cater to Zimbabweans grappling with hyperinflation and severe economic instability, which have made basic goods unaffordable or unavailable.

The economic crisis has spurred a makeshift economy along the border. Vendors like Mary Moyo sell fruit and refreshments to smugglers and migrants. "It's very hot here, and people need water or drinks to keep going. Even soldiers buy from us," Moyo said.

Milicent, a Zimbabwean woman legally crossing the border to purchase groceries in Musina, said she travels monthly to buy food. "It's cheaper here, but the journey is long, and we often have to sleep at the border because there's no accommodation," she said.

For many, the legal route is unaffordable, pushing them toward illegal crossings facilitated by smugglers.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), under Operation Corona, faces significant challenges in monitoring the porous border. Lieutenant Colonel Mzoxolo Ketsekile described the dangers posed by criminal syndicates known as goma gomas. These groups not only smuggle goods but also engage in violent crimes, including robbery and sexual assault.

"Goma gomas smuggle copper, ivory, drugs, and explosives used in illegal mining and ATM bombings," Ketsekile explained.

Despite deploying drones and increasing patrols, SANDF's efforts are hampered by infrastructure failures. The border fence, erected at a cost of R40 million in 2020, is now damaged and riddled with holes, making it ineffective.

Since the launch of Operation Corona on September 1, 154 individuals have been arrested for illegal crossings, and illicit goods worth R33 million—including vehicles, cigarettes, marijuana, and drugs—have been confiscated.

Farmers in the region have lauded the soldiers' efforts but emphasized the need for a more robust border infrastructure. "The lack of a proper fence is the biggest challenge," said one farmer.

As the festive season approaches, smuggling activities are expected to escalate further, adding strain to border security operations. With limited resources and a crumbling fence, SANDF will continue its efforts to curb illegal crossings while communities along the Limpopo River navigate the complexities of survival and economic necessity.