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Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
The inter-ministerial taskforce against smuggling of goods and illicit imports is continuing with its crackdown on undeclared or under-declared goods along the Harare-Chirundu Highway.
Several buses are being stopped at roadblocks along the Chirundu-Chinhoyi Highway and commandeered to the Zimra provincial offices in Chinhoyi where they are being subjected to rigorous searches.
At least four cross-border buses were parked at the offices this afternoon as Zimra officials and other agencies conducted checks to see if all items had been declared.
Sources said the crackdown has been relentless over the past two months.
“This is now an everyday occurrence where buses park in front of the Zimra offices and all goods are offloaded. They inspect item by item with those who have not declared or under-declared paying duty and a fine,” said a trader operating near the Zimra offices.
Observers have noted that the number of cross-border buses has not reduced and people continue with their business.
“I think the people are still making money despite the crackdown, otherwise the number of traders should have declined or others would have stopped altogether,” said an observer.
“It means they still register a profit even after paying duty.”
Online Reporter