SA-Zim border post quiet after protest

Calm has been restored at the Beit Bridge border post after the Musina community embarked on a protest against new SA import limits by the Zimbabwean government.

Johannesburg -The Beit Bridge port of entry was quiet on Friday afternoon after the community in Musina and some local shop owners had embarked on a protest against new measures by the Zimbabwean government limiting the import of goods from South Africa.

Limpopo police spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto said the protest was peaceful.

“It was non-violent protests earlier, no tyres were burnt or property damaged in front of the port of entry. The community and business owners were unhappy about new trade regulations. Police monitored the situation, and protesters dispersed peacefully, the port of entry is open,” she said.

The protest came after Zimbabwean Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha reportedly announced a new policy limiting the import of basic goods, mainly from South Africa. The new restriction kicked in on Friday. Authorities said the new measures were aimed at protecting local manufacturers who were facing stiff competition from imported goods.

With a high unemployment rate and a struggling economy, most Zimbabwean traders rely on importing products from South Africa. The affected imports ranged from hair extensions, peanut butter and yoghurt, to doors and window frames. Special permits were required in order to import the targeted goods.

African News Agency