Zimbabwean journalist Tafadzwa Jumo and the investigative team from Carte Blanche have exposed a deeply entrenched network of corruption at the Beitbridge border post, the main gateway between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The documentary, which aired on Carte Blanche, reveals the shocking extent of illegal activities that facilitate the entry of undocumented foreign nationals into South Africa.
The Undercover Operation
Jumo and the Carte Blanche team went undercover to document the illicit trade at the border. Their investigation uncovered a syndicate involving bus drivers, immigration officers, and other officials who exploit the vulnerabilities of travelers. For a fee, these corrupt individuals offer to extend the stay of foreign nationals in South Africa beyond the legal 90-day limit, a practice known as “buying days.”
The Modus Operandi
The documentary highlights how bus conductors on long-distance routes from Pretoria to Beitbridge offer passengers the chance to purchase additional days in South Africa. This illegal service is facilitated by a network of corrupt officials who ensure that travelers can bypass customs checks and remain in the country without proper documentation.
Systemic Corruption
The exposé sheds light on the systemic corruption within the immigration system. It reveals how immigration officers, who are supposed to uphold the law, are instead complicit in these illegal activities. The documentary calls for urgent reforms to address this pervasive problem and restore integrity to the border post operations.
Public Reaction
The revelations have sparked outrage among the public and calls for immediate action from authorities. Many are demanding stricter oversight and accountability for those involved in the corruption. The documentary has also highlighted the need for better support and protection for vulnerable travelers who fall prey to these unscrupulous practices.
