Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating smuggling activities across the country's borders, vowing to take decisive action against criminal syndicates involved in the illegal transportation of goods.

 In a statement released yesterday, the ZRP disclosed that it had successfully intercepted and recovered a large consignment of smuggled goods in Penhalonga, Mutare, following a targeted operation.

According to the police, the contraband included 211 bales of second-hand clothes, 27 x 50kg bags of groundnuts, and 60 brand-new shovels, which were being transported in two trucks that had illegally crossed into the country at an undesignated point along the border.

The operation, which took place on October 12, 2024, was carried out after a tip-off led authorities to lay an ambush at the Monarch crossing point, where two trucks – a Nissan UD and a Scania – were intercepted.

The drivers of the trucks attempted to flee the scene, but police officers acted swiftly by deflating the tyres, forcing the smugglers to abandon their vehicles and the smuggled goods.

"The drivers abandoned the trucks and fled from the scene, leaving the smuggled goods," the ZRP stated.

Investigations revealed that the Scania truck, with registration number AFJ 2423, belongs to Back Pack Safari in Gweru, while the Nissan UD, registration number ABH 7305, is registered under J. Mapuvire Private Limited in Chivi.

Additionally, a cellphone recovered from the Nissan UD driver's cab is believed to belong to one of the suspects, Fredrick Cedrick Chemusarera.

In its statement, the ZRP warned that there would be no let-up in its ongoing crackdown on smuggling and vowed to deal firmly with those responsible for such illegal activities.

 “There is no going back in the fight against smuggling activities at all the country’s points of entry and exit. Criminal syndicates who are using undesignated and illegal points to smuggle goods into the country will be decisively dealt with according to the country’s laws,” the ZRP said.

The police also appealed to the public for assistance in locating Edmore Gopo, a Mutare-based suspect believed to be linked to the smuggling ring.

“We are appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Edmore Gopo, who is linked to the smuggling activities,” the ZRP added.

The ZRP has been intensifying efforts to curb the flow of contraband into Zimbabwe, as smuggling continues to deprive the economy of critical revenue and fosters an environment conducive to illegal trade.

With increasing reports of goods being transported through illegal border points, the police have pledged to strengthen surveillance and border security to combat the growing threat of smuggling.