Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
TWO trucks, one with smuggled alcohol and the other with cereals were intercepted in Bulawayo on Sunday as the police operation to restore order on the roads continues to bear fruit.
The operation, which started on January 15, has so far netted about 30 000 motorists countrywide, resulting in several vehicles being impounded.
Police blame some drivers of such vehicles for committing serious crimes, including armed robberies, rape and murder.
Roadblocks have been mounted strategically on major roads countrywide as police work to remove unregistered vehicles from the country’s roads.
The first truck, driven by Aldrin Mateta (35), carrying a consignment of smuggled cereals, was intercepted at a roadblock along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway while the second, driven by Prosper Bhebhe (35), which had the smuggled beer, was intercepted parked in the city centre on the same day.
Acting Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the truck loaded with smuggled alcohol was parked at the corner Masotsha Ndlovu and Lobengula Street.
She said alert police officers discovered the truck driver and Bhebhe’s documents were not tallying and the consignment was said to be enroute to “Zaire” (now Democratic Republic of Congo).
“Upon examining truck documents, it was discovered that the horse and the two trailers had no Temporary Import Permit (TIP) and Commercial Vehicle Guarantees (CVGs).
The Bills of Entry is indicating that the vehicle is destined for Zaire and the permit is indicating that it was coming from South Africa destined for Zambia. The truck had no Permit to proceed to Zaire,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She said police officers upon noticing the irregularities became suspicious and impounded the truck.
“Officers from Zimra were called for further verification and it was also discovered that seals which were on the truck were fake. The truck was fully loaded with alcohol of different brands. The truck was then driven to Zimra warehouse,” said Insp Msebele.
In the second case, Asst Insp Msebele said Aldrin Mateta (35) was arrested while driving a RDM Logistics vehicle that had smuggled cereals.
“Police intercepted a Scania Truck registration number KK 38 HS GP towing two trailers registration number HP 63 PC GP and HP 63 PH GP at 7km peg along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road.
The truck was being driven by the accused person. The truck is registered under RDM Logistics Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon examining the truck, it was discovered that it had a consignment of Soya Cake Cereals,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She said the driver was requested to produce documents of the consignment but failed.
“He was interviewed and he revealed that the consignment was from South Africa destined for Big Brother Bulawayo. The truck was driven to Zimra Warehouse for further verifications,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She urged people to have their documents in order as police are on high alert.
“As the police, we are encouraging members of the public to have their documents in order when they are bringing in goods into the country,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
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