Batswana, Zim transport operators clash

People from the eastern, north eastern and central districts of Botswana used to cross the border into Zimbabwe and buy ploughs, bicycle parts, clothing, including school uniforms, tea, mealie-meal, sugar, bread flour, tobacco, medicine and other basic commodities from shops along the border. Others cycled to towns like Plumtree for their shopping. Because motor vehicles were not common, the train was easily the most reliable mode of transportation for the cross-border shoppers from both countries.

Back then people did not have to worry about the complicated and mind-boggling customs and immigration formalities at the border, nor the road access tax, carbon tax or tollgate fees. Those needing to transport other people's goods did not need the BA permits or PRDP licences together with the whole plethora of other bureaucratic requirements at the border gates.