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The circumstances surrounding their deaths are still unclear, but there is growing concern over what some say is a developing humanitarian crisis on the border with Zimbabwe.
FILE: The Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Image: @ HomeAffairsSA / Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – The Road Transport Association said four truckers had died while waiting to cross the Beitbridge border due to conditions at the post.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths are still unclear, but there is growing concern over what some say is a developing humanitarian crisis on the border with Zimbabwe.
Thousands of people have been queuing in meandering lines that stretch for miles as they try to get home in time for Christmas.
READ: Home Affairs Committee concerned about large number of travelers in Beitbridge
Association Gavin Kelly: “It is absolutely shocking. You can imagine the temperatures there and now you are sitting inside a vehicle … the truck temperatures reach 41 ° C, 42 ° C very, very quickly, now you’re stuck in a Queue miles from the actual border post, you are stuck on a road where there is no water available, there are no toilets, there is nothing you can do, but you have to sit there as it slowly moves forward, you have to keep your place in the queue. “
Meanwhile, Internal Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said police reinforcements, including the army, had been deployed at the border where truckers had abandoned their vehicles.
The situation has been exacerbated by a protest involving truckers who are against strict COVID-19 regulations.
ALSO READ: Motsoaledi: We have deployed more soldiers, personnel to the Beitbridge border
Due to the pandemic, travelers must submit a negative COVID-19 test no longer than 72 hours before they are allowed to cross the border.
Motsoaledi said they were in talks with the Health Department to modify the restrictions for truck drivers.
“We must arrange for truckers to test their companies once a month and it will be organized as such to greatly improve the situation.”
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