Some people in Botswana say their country is losing its fight against the influx of illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe with border villages the hardest hit.
Mompati Tlhankane, Joseph Tirelo and several citizens told VOA Studio 7 the country is failing to control the large number of Zimbabweans being forced to leave their homes due to serious economic hardships.
They suggested that Botswana should pass strict regulations or throw illegal immigrants into jail in order to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants into the country.
Tlhankane said, “I think the government should tighten patrols along the borders.”
Some of them even suggested that the state has to deploy more security forces along the borders of Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Botswana, which deports more than 1,300 Zimbabweans each month at a cost of over one million pula or US$100,000, has been home for some Zimbabweans over the years.
But most of the Zimbabweans said they are forced to come back since the economic situation is getting worse in their country.
Botswana’s Labour and Home Affairs Minister, Edwin Batshu, was not available for comment as he was said to be busy attending some state functions.