By Patience Gondo
A Malawian national travelling from Johannesburg South Africa was on Thursday left stranded at the Engen bus stop in Beitbridge after prolonged border delays caused by irregular travel documents drained his limited finances.
The man told Ziyah News Network that his journey was extended after immigration officials flagged his passport which had been stamped with a fake entry stamp forcing him to wait for several hours at the border.
“My papers were not in order,” he said. “They said the stamp in my passport was not genuine. That is what delayed me.”
He said the unexpected delay, long queues combined with traffic congestion along the route turned what was meant to be a short trip into a five day exhausting journey the money he had set aside for food and onward transport.
“I have been on the road for five days,” he said. “The money I had is finished. I am hungry and I don’t know how I will continue.”
The migrant said rising bus fares worsened his situation saying that transport costs have increased significantly leaving travellers vulnerable when journeys are delayed beyond plan.
“The bus fare is now very high,” he said. “What I planned before leaving Johannesburg is no longer enough.”
He was returning to Malawi through Beitbridge, a common transit route for Malalwi migrant workers employed in Johannesburg.
His experience comes as the Beitbridge Border Post faces increased congestion due to festive season travellers with thousands of people crossing daily.
Immigration officials say the border is now processing about 18 000 travellers and 270 buses per day up from roughly 12 000 travellers and 120 buses during off peak periods.
South Africa border side has opened additional immigration service points to ease congestion but travellers say long queues and delays remain common causing fatigue and financial strain.
At the Engen bus stop, a key transit hub for cross border transport several passengers were seen waiting for onward connections some visibly exhausted after days on the road.
The stranded Malawian said he was uncertain how he would complete his journey but remained hopeful that he would receive assistance.
The incident highlights the growing challenges faced by cross border travellers during peak travel periods where document irregularities congested borders and rising transport costs are leaving vulnerable migrants stranded far from home.