The Limpopo River runs through southern Zimbabwe for 360 kilometers toward the Indian Ocean. This mighty river serves as more than a border - it brings both good and bad to the people near it.
The clear waters feed farms and draw tourists to its banks. Local families depend on the river for their needs. Yet these same waters attract people who break laws. Many come from far places like East Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Police from Zimbabwe and South Africa face big problems here. They must stop wrongful border crossings, human selling, armed theft, and goods moving without permits. Teams from both nations work together to watch the river.
The Covid-19 rules made things harder. When borders closed, more people turned to secret river paths. Some business people saw a chance to make money from others' hard times. They moved goods and people at night using plastic boxes, blow-up boats, and carts pulled by donkeys.
When the river dried, even more people crossed without permission. Groups controlling these paths asked for between R50 and R100 from each person. Depending on what's being carried, moving from Musina Town to the river costs R100 to R5000.
Eight main crossing spots exist: Mai Maria, Panda Mine, Dite, Tshikwalakwala, Mawale, River Ranch, Sentinel, Tshivhara, and Shashe. Police catch people moving food, machines, drugs, smoke, stolen animals, cars, guns, and precious stones across the river.
Zimbabwe's police leader, Paul Nyathi, said they added more officers and checks along the border. They work with tax officers to catch people avoiding payments. "Those who bring things in or out must follow our rules," Nyathi said. "When taxes need paying, people must pay them."
South Africa's Border Management Authority has deployed special guards, and Zimbabwe has brought in several police groups. They all aim to regain control of the river.
The South African border group uses flying and body cameras to monitor the river better. During recent holidays, officers conducted 4,000 foot checks and 3,000 car checks around the area.
Albert Nguluvhe, who leads the Beitbridge East area, wants better tools for security teams. He believes both countries must work as one to stop crime.
The Limpopo River remains important for many reasons. It helps people live and grow food, but it also allows bad things to happen. The river's future depends on how people choose to use it.
The clear waters feed farms and draw tourists to its banks. Local families depend on the river for their needs. Yet these same waters attract people who break laws. Many come from far places like East Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Police from Zimbabwe and South Africa face big problems here. They must stop wrongful border crossings, human selling, armed theft, and goods moving without permits. Teams from both nations work together to watch the river.
The Covid-19 rules made things harder. When borders closed, more people turned to secret river paths. Some business people saw a chance to make money from others' hard times. They moved goods and people at night using plastic boxes, blow-up boats, and carts pulled by donkeys.
When the river dried, even more people crossed without permission. Groups controlling these paths asked for between R50 and R100 from each person. Depending on what's being carried, moving from Musina Town to the river costs R100 to R5000.
Eight main crossing spots exist: Mai Maria, Panda Mine, Dite, Tshikwalakwala, Mawale, River Ranch, Sentinel, Tshivhara, and Shashe. Police catch people moving food, machines, drugs, smoke, stolen animals, cars, guns, and precious stones across the river.
Zimbabwe's police leader, Paul Nyathi, said they added more officers and checks along the border. They work with tax officers to catch people avoiding payments. "Those who bring things in or out must follow our rules," Nyathi said. "When taxes need paying, people must pay them."
South Africa's Border Management Authority has deployed special guards, and Zimbabwe has brought in several police groups. They all aim to regain control of the river.
The South African border group uses flying and body cameras to monitor the river better. During recent holidays, officers conducted 4,000 foot checks and 3,000 car checks around the area.
Albert Nguluvhe, who leads the Beitbridge East area, wants better tools for security teams. He believes both countries must work as one to stop crime.
The Limpopo River remains important for many reasons. It helps people live and grow food, but it also allows bad things to happen. The river's future depends on how people choose to use it.
