On October 12, 2024, the Zimbabwe Republic Police successfully intercepted a significant smuggling operation in Penhalonga, Mutare, recovering 211 bales of second-hand clothes, 27 bags of groundnuts, and 60 brand-new shovels at an illegal crossing point known as Monarch.
This operation was prompted by a tip-off concerning trucks that had illicitly crossed the border loaded with contraband.
Acting swiftly on the information, police set up an ambush and managed to stop two trucks—a Nissan UD and a Scania—during their illegal operation.
Attempts by the drivers to evade arrest led to a dramatic chase, during which police were forced to deflate the tires of both vehicles, causing the drivers to abandon the trucks and flee the scene.
Further investigations revealed that the Scania truck, bearing registration number AFJ 2423, is owned by Back Pack Safari in Gweru, while the Nissan UD, registration number ABH 7305, is registered under J.Mapuvire Private Limited in Chivi.
Notably, a cellphone was found in the driver’s cab of the Nissan UD truck, which is believed to belong to the driver, Fredrick Cedrick Chemusarera.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police remains resolute in its commitment to combat smuggling across all borders and is actively pursuing information that could lead to the arrest of Edmore Gopo, a suspect in the ongoing smuggling activities linked to this case.
Authorities emphasized that criminal syndicates exploiting illegal entry points will face stern consequences in accordance with the law.
