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Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
POLICE in Plumtree have intensified border patrols which has resulted in the recovery of over 20,000 litres of petrol in the last five months. Officer commanding Bulilima-Mangwe District, Chief Superintendent Gideon Zulu said the ongoing patrols were aimed at fighting smuggling of goods from Botswana.

Chief Supt Zulu said on Thursday at around 1AM they intercepted 5,100 litres of fuel and 120 bales of clothing that were being smuggled through Vaka area in Mangwe District into the country.

He said the goods were being transported in four kombis and four men who were driving the vehicles were arrested.

Chief Supt Zulu also said on May 18, two South African registered vehicles were intercepted in Madabe area in Mangwe District with clothing items which were valued at about $23,000.

He identified the four men as Happias Chere, 41, of Pumula South, Brendon Kumire, 21, of Plumtree, Tawanda Mugodhi, 34, of Nketa and Jabulani Moyo, 40, of Nkulumane suburb.

He said on May 16 they launched a joint operation with their Botswana counterparts which is expected to run until May 30.

“We have intensified patrols along the border and these activities have managed to bear fruits. The patrols are part of our efforts to contain activities of smugglers who are using illegal crossing points along the border.

“From January 1 to May 26 we intercepted over 20, 000 litres of petrol that was being smuggled into the country in plastic containers. We have also launched the second phase of operation Tahangana (we are united) which we are conducting together with our Botswana counterparts and we are also holding bilateral meetings with them,” he said.