Trade between South Africa and Zimbabwe appears to be flowing without disruption despite speculation of a military coup.
According to several reports, tanks could be seen travelling to Harare yesterday and at least three explosions were heard in the capital this morning.
Zimbabwean army general Constantino Chiwenga on Monday warned president Robert Mugabe that the military was prepared to take action if he did not discontinue the “purging” of former liberation fighters from ruling political party Zanu-PF. This followed the sacking of vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa who has strong connections to the military, having formerly served as Defence and State Security minister.
Despite the military shake-up in the country, Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta) CEO, Mike Fitzmaurice, told FTW Online that cross-border movement was continuing as usual and he had not heard of any unusual issues or border stops.
Sales manager of Easyclear, Michael Henning, told FTW Online that the company’s clients had reported that while there had been an increase in military and police presence at the borders, at this stage it was business as usual.
“We have not had any reports of delays or negative effects as yet,” he said.
There has also been no disruption of flights between South Africa and Zimbabwe according to Airports Company South Africa Passenger Services spokesperson, Lebogang Legae.
“At the moment flights are departing and arriving as normal to and from Zimbabwe,” she told FTW Online.
