22 Apr 2025

The Officer In-Charge at the Matsiloje border post, Ms Irene Mogotsi, reported a quiet Easter this year, with few people crossing into either Botswana or Zimbabwe during the holiday period.

In an interview with BOPA at the border facility in Matsiloje, she said that there had been minimal movement, except for Friday.

By Saturday, 725 individuals, mostly from Zimbabwe, crossed into Zimbabwe, while only four Batswana entered Botswana. Additionally, 51 people passed through Botswana on their way to South Africa.

 “We have noticed that this year’s Easter has seen much less movement compared to previous years.”

Ms Mogotsi attributed the low volume of crossings to the possible use of other border posts, such as Maitengwe and Ramokgwebana.

She further praised Batswana who crossed the border during Easter for their good behavior and adherence to the law.

“Re bone Batswana ba tsena fa ba tshotse dipampiri tsa mesepele tse di siameng le ditlankana tsa matsalo tsa bana, selo se se re itumedisitseng re le badiri ba melolwane,” she said, adding that in the past, some Batswana had found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Ms Mogotsi credited this positive change to radio campaigns conducted by the Immigration Office. ENDS