Thousands of people got absolutely wrecked at Beitbridge border crossing trying to get into Zimbabwe from South Africa, with some drivers sitting in lines for nine hours just to get temporary import permits for their vehicles. Travelers claimed touts were cutting the line after slipping cash to ZIMRA customs officers, and multiple motorists said they filled out their paperwork online like they were supposed to, but still had to pay physically at the border, where staff apparently cannot handle the volume.
One guy said he rolled up around midday and didn't get his permit until after dark, watching ZIMRA workers deliberately drag things out while sketchy runners helped people jump ahead for money. ZIMRA responded with the usual zero-tolerance line and told people to snitch if they see corruption, but drivers said the whole mess could vanish if the agency just accepted online payments instead of forcing everyone to show up in person.
Immigration authorities are processing around 13,000 travelers daily during the holiday rush, and the chaos is expected to get worse as Christmas approaches.
One guy said he rolled up around midday and didn't get his permit until after dark, watching ZIMRA workers deliberately drag things out while sketchy runners helped people jump ahead for money. ZIMRA responded with the usual zero-tolerance line and told people to snitch if they see corruption, but drivers said the whole mess could vanish if the agency just accepted online payments instead of forcing everyone to show up in person.
Immigration authorities are processing around 13,000 travelers daily during the holiday rush, and the chaos is expected to get worse as Christmas approaches.
