adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A 29-year-old car dealer who was in the habit of smuggling vehicles purchased in Botswana through Beitbridge Border Post under the Temporary Import Permit (TIP) facility has been jailed for two years.
Joseph Chibongore of Chitungwiza, who is temporarily resident in South Africa was arrested in Beitbridge last week as he attempted to smuggle a sixth car.
Under the Temporary Import Permit facility, foreigners or Zimbabweans based in other countries are allowed to bring their vehicles into the country duty free for 30 days. If they wish to extend their stay in the country they are required to renew the TIP.
Chibongore was convicted on his own plea of guilty for contravening a section of the Customs and Excise Act when he appeared before Beitbridge Magistrate Gwineth Drawo.
He will serve an effective two years in jail for the crime. The smuggled vehicles were also forfeited to the State as part of the sentence.
Prosecutor, Jabulani Mberesi said on March 14 Chibongore arrived in the country through Beitbridge Border post driving a Botswana registered Toyota Corolla. He was then issued with a TIP by Zimra valid up to April 14.
When the permit expired he did not take back the vehicle or renew the permit with Zimra.
The court further heard that he smuggled four other vehicles but was arrested when he attempted to smuggle the sixth.
Online Reporter