Police, Zimra seize goods

POLICE and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) last week intercepted various goods which were smuggled into the country from Zambia and South Africa in an operation targeting smugglers.

Those who failed to produce declaration documents were arrested, while others were made to pay duty.

Some of the goods have since been confiscated by Zimra officials.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests and warned smugglers that the law will catch up with them.

“The driver of a bus that was travelling from Zambia to Harare and 14 of his passengers were arrested for smuggling at a roadblock along Harare-Chirundu Road on January 26 after they failed to produce declaration documents for their goods,” he said.

“In a related incident, another South Africa-Chirundu bound bus driver and 11 passengers were arrested at Chikangwe Bus Terminus in Karoi while offloading undeclared goods from South Africa. Meanwhile, all the undeclared goods were seized by Zimra.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said on January 25 at about 1800hrs police in Beitbridge intercepted four trucks with smuggled goods worth R131 719,07 and duty amounting to $39 017,86 was paid.

“Police also on January 24 at about 6pm, intercepted three other trucks with smuggled goods worth R76 432,79 and duty amounting to $31 032,88 was paid,” he said.

“On January 22, four trucks were also intercepted with smuggled goods worth R34 192,86 and duty amounting to $11 455,42 was paid.”

Asst Comm Nyathi warned those involved in the smuggling of goods into the country that the full wrath of the law will be applied.

He urged the public to desist from evading paying duty for their goods.

“Police will continue with the operation against smuggling,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“The ZRP is warning the public against evading duty when entering the country. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has realised that some bus crew, trucks and kombi drivers are now in the habit of smuggling goods, thereby prejudicing Government of large amounts of money.

“We urge members of the public to always declare all goods and pay duty whenever necessary to avoid inconveniences. Those involved in smuggling goods into the country should stop their conduct. The public should also cooperate with the police and other relevant arms of Government involved in the exercise to curb smuggling.”

Cases of goods smuggled through border posts into Zimbabwe are rampant, especially at Beitbridge Border Post.