Govt adopts modern technology to fight border crime
The government has deployed drones and fast cargo scanners at the Beitbridge Border Post as it intensifies the use of modern technologies to curb invasive leakages and smuggling through ports of entry.
The initiative is part of authorities’ efforts to maximise revenue collection while promoting transparency and accountability in line with global best practices.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, officially launched the drones, fast cargo scanners and electronic cargo tracking systems on Thursday.
He said the equipment will result in increased surveillance in all hotspot areas, improve service delivery to clients, and reduce the loss of critical revenue, which the Treasury needs for financing development projects.
Prof Ncube said similar technologies will soon be deployed to other ports of entry/exit including Forbes and Chirundu.
He said already, the automation of services, use of biometrics and separation of traffic at the transformed border post has become a game changer by facilitating enhanced efficiency systems at the country’s busiest port of entry.
The Minister also commissioned a block of 36 flats for Zimra employees deployed to Beitbridge.