Tshesebe police raise alarm over cross-border crime
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday December 17, 2025 06:00
Tshesebe police station commander, Superintendent Mothusi Phadi, said they frequently arrest Zimbabwean nationals who illegally enter Botswana through ungazetted points of entry. He noted that the suspects often cross into the country to buy goods and then return to Zimbabwe without following lawful border procedures.
“They usually cross through ungazetted points of entry to buy goods and take them back to their country. Some are avoiding paying tax at the border, whilst others do not have valid passports,” said Phadi.
He said most of the illegal crossings occur along the Ramokgwebana River, adding that the situation has become even more dangerous since the rainy season has started, and they fear that it might soon overflow.
Phadi said the goods commonly bought locally include petrol, groceries, and other essential items.
“Recently, we recorded a case in which three Zimbabwean men were arrested whilst driving a vehicle loaded with petrol, brought in Botswana, allegedly attempting to cross the border illegally,” he said.
He added that a few days later, police also retrieved a new, unregistered vehicle that was found stuck in sand in the Ramokgwebana River.
“We suspect that the occupants were trying to cross the river with the vehicle. However, when it got stuck, and they noticed police patrols approaching, they fled the scene and abandoned the car. The vehicle is currently under police custody,” he said.
Phadi warned that crossing the river whilst it has water or is flowing is extremely risky, particularly because people dig sand in the river, leaving behind deep and dangerous holes.
“Imagine not knowing that there are deep holes in the river and attempting to cross, only to fall into them,” he said. He urged members of the public to avoid illegal crossings and to use designated border points to prevent loss of life and run-ins with the law.