Police in Musina have arrested two Zimbabwean soldiers, who were manning the Beit Bridge border post (across the Limpopo River) for allegedly soliciting a bribe of R100 from some Zimbabwean illegal immigrants, whom they had allegedly assisted to enter into South Africa illegally.

Police spokesman for Vhembe District Supt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said the two soldiers, aged 20 and 47, were arrested on Saturday at around 14:00, while manning the Zimbabwean side of the border along the bridge. "We arrested two members of the Zimbabwe National Army for accepting R100 from some illegal immigrants who intended to enter into South Africa illegally. The illegal immigrants pointed out the suspects after they were arrested by our police officers who were patrolling the border post," Mushavhanamadi said.

Of late, there has been an increase in the number of bribery cases involving both soldiers and police manning the bridge. They reportedly solicit bribes from border jumpers so that they can allow them to cross the border into South Africa illegally without passports.

Despite constant deportations, scores of Zimbabweans continue to cross the crocodile-infested Limpopo River illegally in search of prospective job opportunities in South Africa.

Tofora Sibanda (47) and Leo Mafhorai (20) appeared the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday and the case was postponed to March 9. They were released on R1 000 bail each.