Staff Reporter
Authorities in Kwekwe arrested three suspects and impounded two buses on 24 January 2025, as part of an ongoing crackdown on smuggling activities. The operation, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), uncovered 14 bales of second-hand goods, including clothing and other contraband, aboard buses owned by Triptrans Bus Company.
Chief Superintendent Enock Chishiri, Officer Commanding Kwekwe Police District, confirmed the operation’s success. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police, other security agencies, and key stakeholders embarked on an operation to stop the smuggling of goods into our country from neighboring countries. Today, during the operation, we received information about buses carrying smuggled goods. We set up an ambush and arrested the two buses,” he said.
He emphasized that the operation, which began in November 2024, aims to discourage bus operators and transporters from engaging in illegal activities. “We are discouraging the transportation of any prohibited or smuggled goods. Members of the public must also resist the temptation to smuggle, as it destabilizes our economy. So far, as Kwekwe District, we have arrested six buses since January 1, 2025,” added Chief Superintendent Chishiri.
The Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, provided details on the latest arrests, identifying the suspects as, Ndlovu Eliaza (35) of Malbereign, Harare, Sevenzayi Tinashe (31) of Magwegwe, Bulawayo and Dozva Nonita (42) of Hatfield, Harare
Inspector Mahoko said the suspects were charged under Section 38 (1) of the Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 23.02, and fined in varying amounts: USD$800, ZWL 1,812, and ZWL 6,000, respectively.
In a related incident, Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reported that on 22 January 2025, police at a roadblock along Gweru-Mvuma Road arrested the driver of a Lean Angels bus, Bothwell William (41), along with passengers Casnos Rungwande (45), Rodrick Muyayiso (41), and Chris Mabhuya (26), for smuggling 33 bales of second-hand clothes and shoes. The bus was en route from Mutare to Bulawayo.
The authorities reiterated their warning to those involved in illegal importation practices. “People who intend to import goods into the country for personal or business use must abide by the country’s importation laws,” said Inspector Mahoko.
The anti-smuggling operation continues as part of broader efforts to protect Zimbabwe’s economy and enforce compliance with customs regulations.
