In a major step toward enhancing national security and revenue collection, Zimbabwe has begun deploying drones along its border with Mozambique. The move is aimed at curbing rampant smuggling activities and illegal crossings that have long plagued the eastern frontier.
The drones, which are equipped with high-resolution cameras and night vision capabilities, will monitor hard-to-reach areas and provide real-time surveillance data to border authorities. This expansion follows the successful use of drones at the Beitbridge Border Post, where they have already uncovered numerous smuggling operations and unapproved crossing points.
Officials say that the technology has helped identify new tactics used by smugglers, including concealing goods inside industrial machinery and using obscure bush paths to evade detection. With the drones, security personnel can respond quickly and more efficiently, even in terrain that is otherwise difficult to patrol.
Plans are also underway to roll out drone surveillance at other key borders, including Plumtree and Victoria Falls, as part of a broader modernization strategy. The use of drones is being combined with other technologies like fast cargo scanners and electronic tracking systems, designed to increase transparency, reduce corruption, and improve the overall effectiveness of border control.
Authorities believe this tech-driven approach will not only tighten border security but also help plug revenue leakages caused by illegal trade. The deployment marks a new phase in Zimbabwe’s efforts to secure its borders and protect its economic interests through modern surveillance and enforcement methods.
