Botswana and Zimbabwe share a long border with villages in the NED where the influx of illegal immigrants is said to be on the increase and so does its terrible twin of crime, especially committed by some of the arrivals. Although the country ensures that scores of illegal immigrants are deported back to Zimbabwe every week, desperate Zimbabweans continue to find their way back into the country, apparently running away from the brutal economic conditions back home. Realising the seriousness of this problem, local authorities (Dikgosi) of villages situated along the border resolved to partner with their Zimbabwean counterparts to fight cross-border crime.Kgosi Tapson Jackalas of Jackalas 1 village, who is spearheading this partnership, told Mmegi that despite their efforts to fight cross-border crime, the flow of illegal immigrants continues to be a challenge.
“Even though crime is still taking place, the statistics have gone down as compared to the past and we are hopeful to win the battle if we can address the influx,” said Jackalas.He said that due to the struggling economy back home, Zimbabweans entered the country at ungazetted points to do shopping and in search of job opportunities. Others come here to commit crimes.
