BREAKING NEWS - ZAMBIA BOUND BUS IN ACCIDENT

Recovery and road clearance.

We have just received from a reader, pictures of a Zambia bound bus which was involved in an accident outside Louis Trichardt in Limpopo South Africa. Details are still sketchy. We urge motorists to exercise caution on the roads as we wind up the weekend.

Readers kindly note, this article was first posted indicating the bus was Malawi registered, we have however received full and correct details stating that the bus belongs to Jitotwe Buses a Zambian company.

For latest article on the accident, https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/04/24/probe-jitotwe-bus-service-traffic-accident-south-africa-mwamba/

HOW TO KEEP COOL AT POLICE ROADBLOCK

(File Picture). Are these spikes issued by government stores?

 The holidays are almost over, and motorists have had to endure the "heavy police presence" which in most reports we received were well mannered and professional though there were a handful which gave motorists torrid experiences.

We were sent a link by one reader to a site where one can download a guide on how to behave at a police roadblock. We went through the guide and found it quite helpful as it would be protecting the motorists from being taken advantage of whilst respecting the police officer as he/she enforces the law. 

DRIVING TO ZIMBABWE, KEEP THESE HANDY.

Keep these in the car

We are just a few days before the long week end of Easter Holidays. We are likely to see a huge wave of South African based travellers driving en mass from their bases into central and East African countries of Zambia, Malawi, DRC Congo, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and even far afield as Tanzania.

We urge travellers to have the above shown items in order to avoid unnecessary delays especially by Zimbabwe Traffic Police who are already known for coming up with funny and crazy requirements.

Guys, wishing you safe and enjoyable journey.

Happy travelling.

Join our group and enjoy sharing hints and safety tips for the journey.
www.t.me/crossingbeitbridge

 

HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE EXPECTED DURING HOLIDAYS

Traffic Officer having lunch (File picture)

In a statement the National Police Spokeswoman Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba has promised that there is going to be heavy police presence on the Zimbabwe roads to curb road traffic accidents by arresting speeding drivers and taking off the roads defective cars.

We therefore would like to urge travellers to Zimbabwe to observe the local road rules.

Guys happy travelling.

Our channel is open on telegram: www.t.me/crossingbeitbridge

STRIKE ALERT IN SOUTH AFRICA.

File picture.

Social media is awash with news of a potential general strike on Friday the 7th of March 2017 by South Africans from all walks life protesting against the removal of that country's former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Demonstrations of this nature often end up in violence and we are urging travellers to exercise caution when they approach populated areas and if there is an indication of violence we urge the travellers to avoid these areas completely.

We will keep you updated of unfolding events and we are asking travellers to update us as well on our telegram platform handle www.t.me/crossingbeitbridge .

SPIKES - A DANGER TO EVERYONE

It is with shock and utter disbelief that we noticed that spikes have been permanently erected at some points in the border post.

Border Authorities have recently been battling to control the movement of the crossborder couriers better known as Omalaitsha who in some cases overwhelm the security guards and park anyhow.

We however noticed that the dangerous devices have been placed with no warning signs placing the lives of pedestrians and motorists in danger.

So guys if you are in the Zimbabwe side of the border post, please mind your step.

Our group on telegram is www.t.me/crossingbeitbridge

EARTHQUAKE SHAKES BEITBRIDGE

At 1940hrs tremours were felt in part of Beitbridge. We at the Crossing Beitbridge ran outside when we observed the windows of our office building vibrating.
There were no damages.
We urge those driving to be on the lookout for rocks or landslides in mountainous areas.
The Border was not affected and continues to work properly.
Happy travelling.
 http://earthquake-report.com/2017/04/03/very-strong-earthquake-botswana-on-april-3-2017/ 

BEITBRIDGE BORDER CHARGES - NORTHBOUND

Table of border charges at Beitbridge. 

BEITBRIDGE (ZIM) BORDER CHARGES FOR FOREIGN REGISTERED PRIVATE VEHICLES.

Documentation to be produced.

1. Valid passport of the driver.
2. Vehicle registration book in the name of the driver.
3. Letter of authority from the registered owner if vehicle is not owned by the driver.
4. Temporary exportation document from the Customs authorities in the country from where the visitor is coming from. (Though this may not be asked for everytime)
5. Bank clearance letter if the vehicle is still under hire purchase
6. Police clearance (temporary).

WOULD TRAVELLERS PLEASE NOTE THAT ITS ADVISABLE TO CARRY LOOSE MONEY WHEN CROSSING BORDERS AS CHANGE MAY BE VERY SCARCE DURING HOLIDAYS.

What are the fees and charges payable?

Please note that there is no charge for issuance of a TIP per se. However, there are other fees that are payable at the point of entry such as third party insurance, carbon tax and road access fees. Kindly note that customs rates of exchange may differ with bank rates and even between departments.

Conditions governing TIP

1. The vehicle should be for the personal use of the visitor.
2. The driver should undertake to remove the vehicle from Zimbabwe at the expiry of the TIP or at the time they leave Zimbabwe, whichever occurs first.
3. No visitor shall sell, offer , or display for sale, lease, hire, lend, pledge or dispose of the vehicle in any other manner to any resident in Zimbabwe without prior written authority of the Commissioner General of Zimra and payment of full duty applicable at the time the vehicle was imported into Zimbabwe.
4. In the event of extended stay of the visitor, the TIP holder should approach the nearest ZIMRA office for extension of the TIP upon payment of carbon tax and insurance.
In the case of a breakdown or an accident, the holder of the TIP should report to the nearest ZIMRA office immediately.

Points to note

Drivers of the foreign registered vehicles should read and understand the declaration and undertaking at the bottom of the TIP before signing it and ensure all details entered are true and correct.

Any breach of the conditions governing the temporary importation of visitors’ vehicles will result in the vehicle being confiscated (seized).

Beware of touts! Seek the assistance of ZIMRA officers at the points of entry.

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