Smugglers run out of luck at roadblock Professor Mthuli Ncube

Patrick Chitumba[email protected] 

SEVEN suspected smugglers were arrested on Tuesday at a police roadblock in Gweru, Midlands Province resulting in the confiscation of several goods as part of the Government’s ongoing crackdown on smuggling.

roadblock

The police operation in Gweru Urban District has uncovered a sophisticated smuggling tactic where suspects conceal second-hand clothes in ordinary-looking cardboard boxes and bags to avoid detection.

In 2015, the Government banned the importation of second-hand clothing to protect the domestic textile industry and promote local value-addition. Although the ban was lifted in 2017, certain restrictions remain, including the need for import licenses to ensure duty payment on these goods.

Officer Commanding Gweru Urban District, Chief Superintendent Leon Marongedza, said the crackdown will be intensified to prevent smuggled goods from passing through Gweru.

“We have arrested some offenders who have been smuggling goods from Mozambique destined for Bulawayo. These are second-hand clothes that have been smuggled through the border post in Mutare,” said Chief Supt Marongedza. 

He said police are determined to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that smugglers are brought to justice.

“We are saying as police officers, we will leave no stone unturned. We are to ensure that all those perpetrators are brought to book,” he said. 

Chief Supt Marongedza noted the significant revenue losses the country suffers due to smuggling, adding that the police are committed to holding offenders accountable.

“We are aware that the country is losing a lot of revenue through these acts of smuggling, and we will make sure that all those involved are prosecuted,” he said.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon as investigations continue.

This crackdown is part of broader efforts by law enforcement to curb smuggling and protect the economy. Smuggling not only affects revenue collection but also poses risks to public health and safety, as many smuggled goods fail to meet regulatory standards.

Chief Supt Marongedza urged the public to report any suspected smuggling activities to authorities as part of collective efforts to safeguard the country’s interests. 

Speaking during discussions on the 2025 National Budget in Bulawayo last month, Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said non-declaration of goods constitutes a criminal offence in Zimbabwe, encompassing items purchased abroad, personal belongings, and goods intended for commercial purposes. 

He said smuggling considerably hampers local production initiatives, disrupts value chains and creates an uneven playing field between locally produced and smuggled foreign products, ultimately undermining Government revenue collection mechanisms.

 

 

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