WATCH | Zimbabweans brace as South Africa deploys new tech at Beitbridge border

Beitbridge – Zimbabweans who rely on the Beitbridge border for trade and work are facing increased uncertainty as South Africa announces plans to tighten security at its busiest land crossing, a report says.

Authorities said they will rebuild infrastructure and deploy new technologies at the border post, including amphibious vehicles to patrol the Limpopo River, a frequent route for undocumented migrants and informal traders.

While officials argue the measures are necessary to curb illegal crossings and safeguard national security, cross-border traders warn the changes could cut off vital sources of income, The South African reported.

Today I was at Beitbridge to inspect the Border Management Authority’s growing enforcement capabilities ahead of the Easter period. With more drones in the sky, boots on the ground, tech in the field, and partnerships in place, we’re building a stronger BMA to better serve SA! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/fL7Xia0gie

— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) March 23, 2026

“With things already so hard back home, this will only make life worse,” the report quoted a trader from Bulawayo as saying.

“We are not criminals, we are trying to survive.”

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said investments in personnel and technology at Beitbridge are helping to address illegal immigration challenges.

Speaking to SABC News after an oversight visit to the port-of-entry, he said, “I think what we are demonstrating today is that we can fix this problem, we can address it. If you look across the river, you actually see people there watching on the other side. And this is a really important part of the work that BMA has been doing, which is to focus on the deterrent.”

Schreiber highlighted that the measures are already showing results.

“If you look at the most recent festive season, the number of people attempting to cross has gone down meaningfully. We were seeing at some points you might apprehend 80 people a day; now it’s down to two or three in this sort of hotspot we see today,” he added.

Human rights experts caution that stronger border enforcement without addressing underlying economic pressures could worsen humanitarian strain.

The UN has noted that security-focused policies may increase risks for migrants when legal entry routes are limited or costly.