Zim Now Writer
Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy secretary-general Wisbon Malaya said there was chaos at the Beitbridge Border Post yesterday as hundreds of Zimbabwean cross-border traders had their goods confiscated.
This comes after they were caught up in a rush to leave South Africa amid growing discontent over the electricity crisis in that country.
“Actually, I am on my way from South Africa. On Friday, I witnessed the Gauteng Police arresting and confiscating goods of street traders that are not South Africans. On Sunday, several cross-border traders tried to come back home in a rush before the protests, causing chaos at the border.
“Thousands of goods such as blankets, carpets, cooking oil, yoghurt, and other dairy and poultry products were confiscated. I witnessed poor women and cross-border traders looking hopeless at the border. One old lady fainted at the border after a load of her onions were confiscated,” Malaya said.
He added that informal traders have become vulnerable in foreign lands and South Africa is not spared.
“There is need to educate cross-border traders about what is allowed and not allowed at the border post, as well as how to register to trade commercially in order to operate safely.”
Samuel Wadzai, who is the executive director for Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation, said the current protests in South Africa may have a negative bearing on Zimbabwean traders.
“The prevailing situation is worrying. We have seen the deployment of the military in SA, and this will severely affect cross-border traders’ ability to trade in the neighbouring country,” Wadzai said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters, a political group led by Julius Malema, called for a national shutdown, demanding restoration of electricity as the country continues to witness debilitating power cuts.
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