Boterekwa Pass Transforms into a Robbers’ Den Amidst Hazardous Travel Conditions

SHURUGWI — The notorious Boterekwa Pass, known for its treacherous 6km stretch, is now facing an additional threat: a surge in armed robberies targeting vulnerable truck drivers.

This mountain pass, with its winding paths into Shurugwi, demands utmost caution from drivers, whether they’re climbing or navigating the descent, due to the frequent mechanical failures.

The daily struggle of heavy trucks to ascend the pass is marked by slow movement, with some vehicles succumbing to engine issues or brake failures, leading to catastrophic crashes.

The pass has become infamous for its danger zones, with areas named “Wafa wafa” and “Red Zone” where breakdowns are all too common, exacerbated by the impact of illegal mining on the road’s condition.

Armed robbers have capitalized on this chaos, using the cover of night to prey on drivers caught in distress, robbing them at knifepoint or gunpoint.

Shurugwi’s District Development Coordinator, Romeo Shangwa, has voiced his concerns over the escalating crime rate, highlighting how criminals now treat the pass as their territory.

A chilling account was shared by Shangwa of an attack where robbers, armed with guns, not only robbed but also humiliated their victim by forcing him into physical exertion.

Runesu Mbalekwa, a victim of this newfound danger, recounted his ordeal when his truck stalled, leading to a midnight robbery that left him penniless and stranded.

Local resident Aron Marufu has become accustomed to the nightly symphony of gunshots, a clear sign of the robbers’ presence and activity around the pass.

The community’s response includes increased police patrols, aimed at reclaiming the pass from these criminal elements and ensuring safer passage for all motorists.

This initiative by the Shurugwi police is seen as a beacon of hope by locals, who are eager to see the end of this dark chapter in their region’s history.

The Boterekwa Pass, once just a physical challenge, has now morphed into a gauntlet of both mechanical and human threats, challenging the resilience of those who traverse it.

As the community and law enforcement work together to combat this issue, the stories from survivors like Mbalekwa serve as a stark warning to others about the dangers that now lurk in this once merely troublesome stretch of road.