Illegal border crossing rife in Zambezi

KENYA KAMBOWEKATIMA MULILOIllegal border crossing has become commonplace in the Zambezi Region since the closure of border posts under the coronavirus state of emergency.At the Wenela border post on the Zambian border and Ngoma on the Botswana border officials are strictly enforcing the ban on Namibians leaving the country and foreigners entering.The only movement of people allowed is that of Namibians who want to return to Namibia, and they are quarantined at Katima Mulilo for two weeks.Only trucks carrying essential products are allowed to enter or leave the country.Officials have expressed concern about the number of people crossing illegally at non-designated points, though. The northern borders are porous, consisting of the Zambezi River or a simple cutline that people can cross on foot or by vehicle. Daily patrolsThe Zambezi police commander, Deputy Commissioner Evans Simasiku, says the border control is very strict.“We are allowing Namibians who are returning under whatever circumstances but the condition is, even if you crossed the border this morning and went to Zambia and came back within 30 minutes, we will quarantine you,” Simasiku said.Simasiku said all efforts are being made to curb the illegal crossing of persons into and out of Namibia through ungazetted entry points.He said the police, the army and customs officials patrol the 110-kilometre cutline between Wenela and Kamenga on the border with Zambia daily, but it is impossible to prevent illegal border crossing.The Zambezi River is patrolled with a hover boat, whose engine noise alerts the culprits and gives them enough time to escape.Simasiku said the two governments have agreed to clear the overgrown cutline to make it easier to patrol the border. CooperationZambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofu has also expressed concern over the illegal crossing of people into and out of Namibia through his region.Sampofu appealed to those living along the border to inform law-enforcement agencies when they see people crossing the border illegally.“The borders are closed and they should just wait until they are open. This disease is very dangerous,” Sampofu said.Sampofu said 68 people are now quarantined at the waterfront facility in Katima Mulilo.

Illegal border crossing rife in Zambezi

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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Illegal border crossing rife in Zambezi

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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