Staff Reporter
ZIMRA plans to deploy long range drones to strengthen border patrols and curb smuggling.
The revenue authority is eyeing large fixed wing drones capable of carrying and launching smaller drones, known as mothership systems, to overcome the battery and range limits of micro drones now in use.
The mothership would patrol for extended periods and release smaller drones at intervals to collect close range surveillance before returning to the main craft and relaying data to the control base in Beitbridge.
A key target is Crooks Corner, a notorious smuggling hotspot where Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa converge, about 130km east of Beitbridge. With more than eight hours endurance, the mothership could cover the entire Limpopo Corridor.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority corporate affairs official Gladman Njanji confirmed the authority has applied for land in Beitbridge for a drone facility.
“Yes, ZIMRA has applied to the Municipality of Beitbridge for land in accordance with applicable laws and statutory requirements. The proposed facility will support the deployment and operation of various categories of drones,” Njanji told Ziyah News Network.
He said the initiative aligns with international best practices in border surveillance and aims to strengthen monitoring, promote customs compliance, detect illicit cross border activities and enhance trade facilitation.
Beitbridge Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola confirmed receipt of the application.
“We have received their application which is being processed. They are looking for a large piece of land. It has something to do with aerospace,” Ramakgapola said.
The plan comes as Zimbabwe and South Africa step up joint operations along the Limpopo River to deal with irregular migration, smuggling and unauthorised crossings.
In South Africa, the SANDF has intensified Operation Corona along the 233km Limpopo border, working with the Border Management Authority using drones, body worn cameras, high mobility vehicles and real time monitoring systems.
The two countries also recommitted to modernising border management and easing commercial traffic flow at the recent South Africa Zimbabwe Bi National Commission.
On the Zimbabwean side, police and immigration have increased screening along transit routes, while preparations continue for full rollout of the One Stop Border Post at Beitbridge.
The tightening of enforcement has drawn concern from traditional leaders who say the border splits communities with shared culture. Recently, traditional dancers travelling from Zimbabwe to Musina for an all night appeasement ceremony were fined for crossing illegally.
“It is our culture and it spreads across the river and beyond. Laws should know who we are,” said a Beitbridge resident.