News

Concern over chaos at Beitbridge border

Published

3 years ago

October 19, 2021

Admin

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

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

News

Police Hunt For A Nkayi Murder Fugitive

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Nkayi man is reportedly on the run after allegedly assaulting a fellow villager with an unknown object on the head on New Year’s Day.

Police have identified the fugitive at Joinisa Tshuma from Dabe village who is being sought for a murder charge.

“ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Joinisa Tshuma who is being sought in connection with a case of murder in which Mcebisi Moyo died on 07/01/24,” police appealed.

“The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim on the head with an unknown object near a bush in Dabe Village, Nkayi on 01/01/24 before he fled the scene.”

According to police, the victim sustained some head injuries and he was admitted at Nkayi District Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile, Police in Machipisa are also investigating a case of murder which occurred on Wednesday, in which a yet to be identified male adult approximately aged 30 years who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, black trousers, black gum boots and a black cap, was found lying dead with a stab wound on the back near Mapuranga Transport Service Garage in Harare.

Police are also appealing to the public with information surrounding the incident.

“Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.”

News

Full ZRP Statement on Armed Robberies Raiding Elite Schools

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

As the schools open, parents and guardians are in the process of paying school fees, levies and other related school costs, for their children.

School authorities are therefore urged to deposit all monies at financial institutions to curb armed robbery cases.

The issue of collecting cash by school authorities at schools should be reconsidered given the recent armed robbery cases.

The Police has recorded armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi in which schools are being targeted.

In one of the cases, unknown suspects pounced at George Silundika High School at corner George Silundika Street and Third Avenue, Bulawayo on 06th January 2024, where they stole US$17 280.00 cash which was in a cash box.

In another case which occurred at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi on 09th January 2024, 12 unknown suspects attacked security guards before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.

School authorities are urged to step up security measures at schools and employ guards from reputable security service providers who constantly monitor and review deployments.

Above all, school authorities should install CCTV at points of entry and administration offices.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned that some of these robbery cases are resulting from leakage of information.

Members of the public are warned that those who provide inside information to robbery syndicates will be arrested.

Police crack teams are firm on the ground and will pounce on armed robbery syndicates for the law to take its course in earnest.

News

ARTUZ condemns government for opening of school amid Cholera outbreak

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

Admin

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the government’s decision to reopen schools due to the cholera outbreak wreaking havoc in most parts of the country, labeling the move reckless and disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care last week showed since the outbreak of cholera, Zimbabwe has recorded 15 137 suspected cholera cases, 1 759 confirmed cases, 14 578 recoveries, 67 confirmed deaths and 266 suspected deaths.

“We vehemently condemn the government’s reckless decision to open schools amidst the widespread cholera outbreak, completely disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers,” reads the statement.

“We demand that the government immediately mobilize substantial resources to ensure the safe reopening of schools because our children deserve nothing less than a secure and conducive learning environment.

“It is the duty of the government to provide sanitary solutions and ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

The union also called on the government to consider an upward increment of teachers’ salaries, criticizing the government’s lack of engagement with educators, particularly regarding their ongoing demand for a US$1 260 salary.

“Also, it is utterly disappointing to witness such a hasty move without even bothering to engage with the educators who have been tirelessly advocating for a just salary of US$1260.

“The safety and welfare of our students and teachers should be the utmost priority, but it seems that the government is callously neglecting this responsibility.

“It is high time for the government to prioritize the well-being of our education system and take meaningful action to address the urgent needs of our dedicated teachers. ”