Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an investigation into widespread bribery at the Livingstone and Chirundu border posts. The probe follows a viral social media video exposing travellers paying illicit facilitation fees to bypass delays, prompting warnings that border graft damages the nation’s trade and tourism reputation.
The Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed it is actively probing illicit payments at the Livingstone and Chirundu border posts, targeting illicit transactions that routinely undermine regional trade and deter foreign visitors.
Viral Video Exposes Border Bribes at Livingstone and Chirundu
The investigation was triggered by a widely circulated social media video featuring a cross-border traveller who lambasted the standard operating procedures at key entry points. The traveller noted that utilizing standard electronic card payments significantly prolongs the border-crossing process, effectively creating a coercive environment where motorists and traders must pay extra cash bribes just to move forward.
These illicit practices are concentrated heavily along the strategic frontier with Zimbabwe.
Anti-Corruption Commission Responds With Joint Law Enforcement Operations
The anti-graft agency issued a stern warning regarding the economic and diplomatic damage inflicted by corrupt border personnel. In an official statement, the commission emphasized that illicit gratuities severely inflate the cost of doing business, strand legitimate transporters, and erode public confidence in state institutions.
“The commission treats these allegations with the gravity they deserve. Corruption at ports of entry damages Zambia’s standing as a reliable destination for trade, investment and tourism.”
Anti-Corruption Commission, via CAJ News Africa
To combat the crisis, authorities have immediately launched joint operations pairing the commission with other relevant law-enforcement agencies at all active ports of entry. Officials stressed that under the National Policy on Anti-Corruption and the government’s zero-tolerance mandate, any form of facilitation payment constitutes a serious criminal offense under federal anti-corruption statutes.
Strict Warnings Issued to Public Officers and Travelers
The commission issued a direct caution to public employees stationed at the country’s gateways, reminding them that they serve as the nation’s primary representatives to arriving foreigners.
“Border officials are the country’s first ambassadors. The impression they leave is the impression many visitors and traders carry of Zambia.”
Anti-Corruption Commission, via CAJ News Africa
The agency also drew a hard line against cash and in-kind gratuities, warning that anyone caught participating in the bribery cycle will face severe legal consequences regardless of whether they gave or received the funds.
“Anyone found to have solicited, accepted, offered or paid a bribe or facilitation fee will face the full measure of the law.”
Anti-Corruption Commission, via CAJ News Africa
Investigators are actively urging members of the public to utilize anonymous reporting channels to flag future misconduct.
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