The Impact of current border security in combating smuggling. A case of Beit-bridge border post

Author

Muzonzini, Nigel

Title

The Impact of current border security in combating smuggling. A case of Beit-bridge border post

Abstract

The research sought to investigate the impact of current border security in combating smuggling at Beitbridge border post. It was guided by the following objectives, to identify the types of border security agents at Beitbridge border post, to identify the causes of smuggling at Beitbridge border post, to examine the effects of smuggling at Beitbridge border post, to recommend strategies that can be used to curb smuggling at Beitbridge border post. The study population was obtained using purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. The researcher used a descriptive research design. The sample size comprised of thirty-six (36) respondents. Data was obtained at Beitbridge border post using interviews and questionnaires. Data was analysed using SPSS (a quantitative data analysis tool Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and also a qualitative analysis tool thematic analysis. Data was presented in the form of charts, graphs and tables. Based on the findings and conclusions of the research, a number of recommendations were made at Beitbridge border post in order to combat smuggling. The outcomes of this research showed that Zimbabwe was facing challenges in controlling its border. The failure to provide effective security is because of certain factors. These factors includes the absence of physical barriers at the border, scarcity of physical and human resources and ineffective ways of monitoring Zimbabwe’s border. The research recommended that border security agencies should be paid in an optimal and most desirable way. Monitoring should be done through surveillance, modernise existing infrastructure, enhance legal framework, cameras and increased lighting. Lastly awareness campaigns should be carried out educating people about the consequences of border smuggling. Nevertheless, having illustrated all these remedies the research claims that as long as the broader administrative environment remains feeble these remedies will not create their own strength to work effectively

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Border security

Combating smuggling

Beit-bridge border post.

Supervisor

Mr. Gombarume