Zimpapers Logo

SMUGGLING is a major problem at the country’s borders resulting in the government losing revenue in the form of duty, while there is a danger that dangerous and hazardous goods might also be imported into the country. In a bid to curb smuggling, revenue collector Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has since the past week been conducting a 100 percent search programme to ensure compliance with customs laws.

Under the initiative, all goods and people coming into the country are subject to searches to ensure duty that is due to government is paid. The searches target mostly informal traders importing goods falling outside their rebates such as blankets, refrigerators and stoves.

With informal traders making the bulk of the 170,000 people who pass through Beitbridge border post every month, Zimra is likely to collect millions of dollars from the operation.

It is understandable that some people will be angry at the searches because they will cause delays at the border but we believe that the exercise is necessary to curb the scourge of smuggling at the borders and ensure the government gets its rightful share from duty.

The government needs every cent it can get and revenue inflows can be boosted by curtailing smuggling.

Zimbabwe’s borders are very porous. This can be seen from the fact that despite the banning of some products to safeguard local industry, banned products still find their way onto our local markets. The banned goods include chicken, eggs and potatoes.

Zimra should make the 100 percent search a permanent feature and not an ad hoc programme which they introduce when they feel like or when they want to be seen to be doing something.

The 100 percent initiative was launched after a visit to Beitbridge by an anti-smuggling team led by Commissioner-General Gershem Pasi last week.

However, the 100 percent searches on their own will not yield results unless bad apples employed at border posts are removed.

The major reason smuggling is thriving is because of massive corruption taking place. Some officers, be it Zimra, police or immigration stationed at the border post are being paid bribes to turn a blind eye to underhand activities of smugglers. Thankfully, some have been caught and dismissed.

But Zimra will need to root out all corrupt elements within its ranks if it is to successfully implement its 100 percent search programme. Apart from catching the culprits in the act, which is often difficult, the authority should undertake lifestyle audits to verify if its employees are living within their means.

There is no doubt that in the first few weeks of the 100 percent search programme, revenue inflows will spike but there is a danger that corrupt elements will soon discover weakness to take advantage of.

Zimra should also consider searching shops, especially those which sell their goods at ridiculously low prices to find out if they paid duty and are meeting their other tax obligations.

The prices of some imported goods, especially from Asia, while an advantage to consumers, are a threat to the national economy.