Zimbabwe has launched a sweeping crackdown on smuggling, deploying 24-hour roadblocks on all major routes leading to the country’s cities and towns.
This intensified anti-smuggling campaign, announced on Tuesday, signals a zero-tolerance approach to illegal imports, with authorities vowing to deny bail to anyone caught with smuggled goods.
Presidential Affairs and Devolution secretary, Tafadzwa Muguti, unveiled the stringent measures during an anti-smuggling campaign launch in Harare. He declared a firm stance against those involved in the illicit trade: “Arrest smugglers and State will oppose bail. Stricter penalties will be imposed on individuals and businesses involved in smuggling and counterfeiting to deter future offences.”
This uncompromising approach aims to deter potential smugglers and disrupt the networks facilitating illegal imports.
Teams are targeting vehicles suspected of transporting smuggled goods, leading to widespread inspections and seizures across the country. The operation has already resulted in fines and closures for numerous businesses, including that of Deputy Minister of Industry, Raji Modi, who faced allegations of selling suspected smuggled goods.
The government has outlined a clear process for handling confiscated goods. Secretary Muguti explained: “All smuggled secondhand clothes will be confiscated and destroyed at the nearest police station, while foodstuffs will be donated to charity. Drugs are to be destroyed at the Health ministry district and provincial hospital incinerators, while Zimra will confiscate smuggled vehicles.”
This comprehensive strategy aims to eliminate the possibility of smuggled goods re-entering the market and ensures the appropriate disposal of hazardous materials.
The newly implemented 24-hour roadblocks are a key component of this intensified campaign.
This comprehensive approach leaves no avenue for evasion, targeting both individuals and businesses involved in the smuggling trade.
The scale of the problem necessitated this decisive action. Muguti highlighted the significant economic losses incurred: “The country is flooded by counterfeit and smuggled goods, primarily from neighbouring Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique. Available statistics indicate that the country is losing at least US$1 billion in potential revenue due to smuggling.” This substantial loss of revenue underscores the urgent need for robust intervention.
The impact extends beyond financial losses, affecting various sectors and legitimate businesses. Muguti stressed the broader consequences: “Not only does it undermine our economy, it threatens our security and endangers our health.”
The closure of businesses like Choppies, which cited unfair competition from smuggled goods as a reason for relocation, illustrates the devastating impact on legitimate enterprises.
The goods targeted for inspection are extensive and encompass a wide range of products. Muguti listed the items under scrutiny. Goods targeted for inspection include:
- alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages,
- cement,
- clothing and footwear,
- dairy products, diapers,
- electrical appliances,
- cables and accessories,
- ploughs and parts thereof,
- processed meat,
- rice and pasta,
- sugar,
- tyres and motor spare parts
- washing powder
- detergents.
“Sellers of these products will be required to provide documentary evidence that customs duty has been properly accounted for,” Muguti said.
