By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba – Zimbabwe and Zambia have launched a two-day interprovincial security meeting in Kariba to strengthen cross-border collaboration and tackle shared security challenges.
The meeting, which began Tuesday, follows a similar engagement held in March in Siavonga, Zambia. It brings together senior officials from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zambia Police (ZP), and immigration departments from both nations.
Speaking at the event, Mashonaland West provincial police chief and joint security committee chairperson Tawonei Nyazema cited rampant smuggling—particularly of goods and pharmaceuticals—as a persistent concern.
“Smuggling is a common issue along our border. We’ve carried out joint anti-drug campaigns across five provinces and hope these efforts will continue bearing fruit,” said Nyazema.
He pointed to the challenges posed by the natural border—Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River—making it difficult to monitor movements due to familial ties and indistinct boundaries.
“The border is porous. It’s hard for citizens to tell where the line lies in the water, and people often cross for family reasons,” he explained.
Nyazema also called for improved resources for border patrols, highlighting that both countries lack proper infrastructure to monitor remote areas.
“Our policing efforts are limited by inadequate resources. We don’t have proper border patrol roads, and patrolling the lake or river is a major logistical challenge,” he said.
He urged both nations to build on existing ties and implement joint action plans to improve security coordination.
His counterpart, Commissioner Auxensio Daka, Officer Commanding Zambia’s Southern Province, echoed the call for continued cooperation.
He commended the efforts of the Security and Enforcement Taskforce Operations (SETO), which he said have yielded positive results.
“These meetings are vital for preventing incidents and enhancing border security. We’ve seen success through joint operations, and even through community engagement initiatives like football and netball, which have strengthened bonds between our officers,” said Daka.
As discussions continue, delegates are expected to exchange ideas on tackling border crime and fostering peace and development in both countries.
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