All female immigration operation busts illegal travellers in Beitbridge

Thupeyo Muleya

The Department of Immigration on Tuesday launched an all-female enforcement and compliance operation dubbed “Good Morning Madam Immigration Officer” which seeks to clamp down on illegal immigrants, child and human smugglers and touting among other criminal vices at Beitbridge Border Post.

The 14-member team, led by Assistant Regional Immigration Officer, Memory Mugwagwa took many travellers at the point of entry by surprise.
According to the Assistant Regional Immigration Officer at Beitbridge Border Post, Nqobile Ncube, the operation saw hundreds of travellers being turned away at the border for violating various sections of the Immigration Act.

“Thirty arrests were effected on those who contravened various sections of the Immigration Act such as entry by evasion and not possessing proper travel documents. The arrested were escorted to the police
post to pay fines,” Ncube said.

He said 38 cars were turned away for carrying undocumented passengers during the operation. The drivers were warned and cautioned. Ncube also commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the support it gave during the exercise. He said they had reinforced the anti-child smuggling drive and will be on the lookout for fake stamp syndicates.