In a major crackdown on smuggling, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO) have seized goods worth $246,000 from a syndicate that had evaded paying duty.
The smuggling ring, which involved four Chinese nationals and several local accomplices, was busted on November 16, 2024, at a residential yard in Rhodesville, Harare.
According to ZIMRA officials, the syndicate had smuggled into the country 783 boxes of monarch bags and 447 boxes of accessories, declaring them as fertiliser to avoid paying duty.
The goods, which were valued at $246,000, were seized by ZIMRA and SARACO officials, who also impounded two trucks used in the smuggling operation.
The drivers of the trucks, which were registered as AGZ 1414, ACL 1538 and AEU 8393 , ABS 2665 claimed that they had been instructed to enter the country through the green gate at the Forbes border post, where they were not inspected.
This incident highlights the rampant corruption and smuggling that has been plaguing Zimbabwe’s borders.
The government has always warned all perpetrators of corruption , who have resulted in significant revenue losses that their days are numbered .
In a recent speech in Victoria falls, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga emphasized that corrupt individuals pose a security threat to the nation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat corruption and smuggling.
The seized goods and trucks are currently being held at the ZIMRA Bak storage facility. Further investigations and verifications are underway, and those found guilty of smuggling and corruption will face the full force of the law.
Contacted for comment Southern Africa Regional Anti Corruption’s Assistant deputy director operations Mr Alvine Makufa confirmed the issue but refused to comment and rather referred all the questions to ZIMRA Loss Control Director saying further verifications are still underway.
