Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has commended Midlands Province for achieving its first-quarter revenue collection target, an outcome seen as critical to supporting national development projects in line with Treasury projections.
This improvement in revenue collection has been bolstered by an anti-smuggling blitz launched late last year, with the Government intensifying efforts to ensure tax compliance.
Law enforcement agencies have increased collaboration to bring offenders to justice, intercepting operators who avoid customs inspections on imported goods.
The operation targets key cross-border trade routes, focusing on commercial and passenger transport and aims to protect legitimate businesses, public safety and the broader economy.
Additionally, the blitz seeks to safeguard vital local industries, promote fair competition and ensure consumer protection.
This follows growing calls from stakeholders for authorities to address the increasing threat posed by smuggling, which undermines legitimate trade, hampers economic growth and compromises public safety.
In an interview in Gweru following the interception of three buses on Tuesday, Zimra Station Manager for the Gweru, Kwekwe and Kadoma region Mr Piason Tauyanago said they were working closely with security agencies to clamp down on smuggling activities.
Although he did not disclose the exact figures, Mr Tauyanago confirmed that the anti-smuggling blitz had enabled the region to meet its first-quarter revenue target for 2025.
“I am pleased to report that, as a station covering Gweru, Kwekwe and Kadoma, we have successfully collaborated with the security agencies to impound long-distance vehicles being used to smuggle goods,” he said.
“To date, we have met our set target for the first quarter, thanks to the success of the anti-smuggling operation.”
Mr Tauyanago listed commonly smuggled goods as including electrical appliances, washing powders, energy drinks, blankets, alcoholic beverages, baked beans, chicken, beef and Russian sausages.
“For example, on Tuesday, three buses from Beitbridge were intercepted by law enforcement agencies and handed over to us for verification. Most of the goods on board had not had duty paid,” he said.
He added that those found with smuggled goods are required to pay penalties, which may include a 100 percent surcharge on the unpaid duty. Mr Tauyanago also revealed that, two weeks ago, authorities recovered 16 kilogrammes of marijuana, and the individual involved was arrested and brought before the courts.
“The blitz also aims to regularise imports by ensuring all importers pay the appropriate duties and taxes, while also addressing domestic tax liabilities, among both formal and informal traders,” he said.
“It protects the public from harmful imports, such as hazardous foodstuffs and cosmetics, and shields businesses from trade malpractices like counterfeiting and intellectual property violations.
Additionally, it supports legitimate traders facing unfair competition and enhances both supply chain integrity and national security.”
Officer Commanding Gweru District, Chief Superintendent Dr Leon Marongedze said the police were acting in line with a Government directive to curb smuggling.
“As the police, we are implementing the Government’s directive aimed at stopping the smuggling of goods into the country,” he said.
Chief Supt Marongedze also issued a stern warning to those involved in smuggling, urging them to desist from the illegal activity.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will not tire in ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.
Meanwhile, some transport operators have appealed to the authorities to establish a nationally linked system that would reduce the frequency of customs inspections along major routes.
“While the operation is noble and is increasing the country’s revenue, we’re spending a lot more time being stopped and searched. For example, from Beitbridge to Gweru, there are several stops. Zimra officers remove all goods for duty reconciliation, and that takes too much time,” said a bus driver from one of the impounded vehicles.
Some passengers also expressed frustration, arguing that their goods were bought legally from shops in Beitbridge and should not be subjected to customs inspections.
Londile Moyo