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Concern over chaos at Beitbridge border

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Durban – There is growing concern about the situation at the Beitbridge border post as truck drivers have been stuck for up to five days before being processed to enter South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Videos shared on social media show queues that stretch for long distances at the border post. Drivers, who spoke to eNCA, said the delays were due to a new commercial terminal, access fees, and a slow electronic system.

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Mmenyane Seoposengwe, senior manager; strategic communications for the Cross Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) said that construction on the Zimbabwe side of the border along with new crossing tariffs introduced by Zimbabwe were contributing to the delays at Beitbridge.

The interstate operations agency, which aims to reduce mobility constraints for road transport operators, said it was concerned about the delays at the border.

“The current construction taking place on the Zimbabwe side of the border also impacts on the current delays.

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Furthermore, Zimbabwe recently introduced new crossing tariffs applicable to passenger, freight and private vehicles.

“The C-BRTA’s role at the border is to ensure compliance on cross-border transport operations and the validity of permits. This task would in no way cause delays; we are, however, diligently working with our Zimbabwe counterparts to address this issue.”

Angel Khanyile, DA spokesperson on home affairs, said that the situation needed urgent intervention.

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“The DA calls on the minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, to engage with his Zimbabwean counterpart as a matter of urgency following reports that growing numbers of trucks have been stuck at the Beitbridge border post for more than five days before being processed into both countries.”

Khanyile added that stranded truck drivers were being denied basic human rights and the situation they were in posed a health risk.

“The renovations at South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe have caused queues of more than 50km and truck drivers are stranded without access to water or ablution and sanitation facilities. This poses a risk to their health with both countries still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

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Francois Diedrechsen, the chief executive of Zimborders Consortium, which secured the contract for the upgrade and modernisation of Beitbridge border post, said yesterday that the situation was improving gradually.

“The present situation at the border is improving daily after incorporating improved new processes and systems; south-bound traffic queues have been reduced from over 4km a week ago to under 500m; northbound queues remain a challenge as this backlog (extended for) 10km and was three lanes wide at the peak (currently 8km and mostly a single lane) and is being reduced gradually daily with the increased throughput currently being achieved.

“All teams from both government and Zimborders are working around the clock to improve the situation.”

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Gavin Kelly, chief executive of the Road Freight Association, said that he was waiting for an update on the situation. “Earlier today (yesterday), the situation was unchanged.

According to the officials on the ground, there is a surge in traffic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the border really struggles; that will start from tomorrow (today).” – The Mecury

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National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

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The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

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The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.

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Senate passes death penalty abolition bill

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The Zimbabwe Senate has passed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, paving the way for the country to join the growing list of nations that have abolished capital punishment.

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The bill, which has already been approved by the National Assembly, will now be sent to the President for assent and subsequent publication in the Gazette as an Act.

The country has 62 convicted prisoners facing the death penalty.

Veritas has congratulated the Senators, Members of the National Assembly, the President, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for their role in facilitating the bill’s passage through Parliament.

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Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, defended the bill in the Senate, citing studies that show the death penalty has failed to deter crime.

He emphasized that the actual number of murders remained the same despite the death penalty’s existence, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Ziyambi also highlighted the bill’s potential to address the root causes of crime, which he believes the death penalty does not tackle. He pointed out the bias of the death penalty against poverty-stricken people, stating that history shows the majority of those executed are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Zimbabwe has been on a de facto moratorium on executions for about 17 years, with the last execution conducted in 2005.

 

 

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Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, government issues warning

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A powerful tropical cyclone named Chido is moving menacingly towards Zimbabwe, prompting the government to issue a warning and advise residents to take necessary precautions.

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According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Cyclone Chido has intensified into an intense tropical cyclone and is likely to affect Zimbabwe on December 17.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several provinces, including Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and West, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Midlands and Mashonaland West.

The MSD has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm in 24 hours in some areas, which could lead to floods, rockfalls, and mudflows.

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Residents have been advised to plan evacuation mechanisms, avoid open spaces, secure their homes from damaging winds, and stay informed through authentic updates from the MSD and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).

The government has assured citizens that it is taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The DCP is on high alert, and emergency services are ready to respond to any situations that may arise.

As Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant. The government’s warning and advisory come as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and minimize damage.

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Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclone Chido and its impact on Zimbabwe.

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