Princess Sibanda
Beitbridge – Chaos erupted at the N1 border area on Wednesday afternoon after a confrontation involving alleged CID officials and a border agent escalated into violence, leaving one official injured and requiring hospital treatment.
According to witness Decent Chikuyamba, the incident began when Masendeke, a border agent, questioned four alleged CID officers over why they were following a South African-registered Toyota Quantum vehicle that he claimed had already been cleared at the border.
Witnesses allege that the officers informed Masendeke that they had “not finished” with the vehicle. Masendeke reportedly demanded the return of R500 he claimed had been collected from him and began filming the officials, a move that allegedly angered them and triggered a physical altercation.
During the ensuing confrontation, three of the officials reportedly fled the scene while one was struck by a stone and left bleeding. The injured official was later taken to hospital for treatment.
Witnesses further claimed that Masendeke removed the vehicle’s battery, took its keys and confiscated mobile phones, leaving the vehicle stranded at the scene.
Confusion remains over the identities of the officials involved, with some onlookers claiming they were CID officers while others suggested they were from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). The two departments are known to work closely together at the border post.
A large crowd of cross-border traders gathered at the scene, with some openly expressing support for Masendeke.
“We are tired of these scammers. At least someone has stood up to them,” said one trader.
Authorities had not yet issued an official statement on the incident at the time of publication.
