Princess Sibanda
Beitbridge- Zimbabwe has now received a cumulative total of 9,237 returnees through Beitbridge Border Post as repatriation efforts continue following intensified immigration enforcement in South Africa.
Figures released on July 1, 2026, show that 1,047 returnees arrived at the reception centre aboard 14 buses, one South African Police Service (SAPS) truck and one SAPS van. The arrivals comprised 330 men, 311 women, 186 boys and 220 girls.
On the same day, 1,315 returnees were transported to their respective destinations across the country, with Harare receiving the highest number of 467, followed by Chipinge (371), Gokwe (128), Midlands (77), Plumtree (68), Mutare (66), Masvingo (50), Manicaland (50) and Bulawayo (38). Authorities also recorded eight unaccompanied minors, comprising four boys and four girls.
Meanwhile, South Africa has recorded more than 35,000 repatriations through its land and air ports of entry. Providing an update from Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina, Acting Border Management Authority Commissioner Major General (Rtd) David Chilembe said the facility remains the country’s busiest repatriation hub following the relocation of operations from Durban.
Maj. Gen. Chilembe said the Border Management Authority is simultaneously managing deportations, voluntary repatriations and normal cross-border traffic. He revealed that officials processed 700 Zimbabweans and 1,700 Malawian nationals on Tuesday, noting that the repatriation of Malawian nationals has been slowed by the overwhelming numbers being handled by Malawian authorities.
He added that all returnees undergo citizenship verification and fingerprint-based criminal screening before being processed, while Government is working on establishing an additional holding facility to accommodate the growing number of travellers.
