Beitbridge border protests in PICTURES

The Beitbridge Border Post resembled a war zone on Friday as angry Zimbabweans burnt buildings and destroyed property in protest at new restrictions imposed on imports. 

The restrictions have proved very unpopular with Zimbabwean traders, many of who depend on bringing in cheap imports to earn a living. 

Reports indicate that taxi operators from Musina had joined the demonstrations and cargo trucks were ferrying protesters to the border. The South African and Zimbabwean picketers from Musina carried placards inscribed “Mugabe must go”.

Said one Zimbabwean traveller: “South Africans are serious. They have blocked the border and are threatening to burn any vehicle that is going to Musina. They are actually looking for Zimbabwean trucks to use as examples.”

He added: “They have brought with them Indian shop owners (who dominate retail trade in Musina) and are led by the Musina Meter Taxi Association. They are demanding the lifting of the ban on groceries. The situation is tense.”

Said another source: “South African citizens are remarking that they want to burn at least one Zimbabwean so that the Zimbabwean minister who put the ban in place reverses his decision.”

Zimbabwean and South African police and border authorities could not be immediately contacted for comments. Nehanda Radio