Social media users were left in tears after videos of desperate Zimbabweans crossing to South Africa through the crocodile-infested Limpopo River flooded online.
THE PERILOUS JOURNEY TO SOUTH AFRICA FROM ZIMBABWE THROUGH THE LIMPOPO RIVER
In recent years, thousands of Zimbabweans without proper travelling documents, fleeing the rising inflation, unemployment and poverty, have taken the treacherous journey for a better life in South Africa.
Some illegally cross into South Africa through the Beit Bridge Post port of entry, thanks to bribes. Others try their luck in the fast-flowing waters of the crocodile-infested Limpopo River.
The heartbreaking videos making rounds online were first shared by the popular Zimbabwean blog ZimCelebs on Instagram.
One of the videos’ captions loosely translates to, “One day things will be okay. Heartbreaking video of Zimbabweans crossing the Limpopo river to go to South Africa.”
In one of the now-viral videos, desperate Zimbabweans were seen crossing the crocodile-infested river with the aid of smugglers popularly known as the gomas-gomas.
The crossing is illegal and dangerous, but some Zimbabweans prefer it because it is cheaper.
Amid Zimbabwe’s ailing economy, and fewer job opportunities, thousands of Zimbabweans risk everything for a better life across Limpopo River.
Against the now viral videos, thousands quickly flooded online with their two cents.
One user commented, “Something has to be done. This is not right at all. My prayers are with Zimbabweans going through this.”
However, little is known about when the videos were taken, and both governments have yet to address the circulating videos.
INCREASED PATROLS ALONG THE 233KM BORDER
Earlier this month, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA) Dr Michael Masiapato revealed that it had arrested hundredsof illegal immigrants who tried to enter the country illegally.
This was achieved through an operation at the Beitbridge port of entry. Speaking to the media, the commissioner revealed that the arrested were among thousands making their way to South Africa.
However, deployed South African soldiers have increased their patrols along the 233km border to look for Zimbabweans crossing illegally.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE TO ADDRESS BORDER JUMPING AT THE BEIT BRIDGE BORDER POST?
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