Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has bolstered border security, and cracked down on smuggling by deploying cutting-edge drone technology along its border with Mozambique, including at Forbes Border Post, The Manica Post can reveal.
This innovative move has yielded impressive results, with a notable decline in smuggling cases, and surge in arrests of smugglers attempting to illicitly transport various goods across the border.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza confirmed that drone operations along the Mozambique border commenced full-time on May 1, 2025.
Minister Mugadza said the deployment of drones has significantly curbed smuggling activities in the province.
“The drones have been operational since May 1, and we have seen a notable decline in smuggling cases. Our security forces are vigilant and on top of the situation, thanks to the added surveillance capabilities provided by the drones,” he said.
Minister Mugadza said the drones serve as a deterrent to potential smugglers, and aid in identifying those engaged in illicit activities along the border.
“Now that we have the drones hovering along the border line, it is also assisting in deterring would-be smugglers as well as identifying those that may be in the act,” he said.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) acting Commissioner (Customs and Excise), Mr Adrain Swarres, confirmed the deployment of drones along the border.
“Drones offer rapid deployment capabilities that are crucial for monitoring remote and difficult-to-access terrains. Their agility ensures timely detection and swift response to potential smuggling threats. By providing real-time visual intelligence, drones enable faster and more informed decision-making. They can cover vast areas efficiently, significantly reducing reliance on extensive ground patrols. With a borderline spanning over 700 kilometres, the integration of drone technology has substantially increased the area now under active surveillance, enhancing overall border security and operational effectiveness,” said Mr Swarres.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed an increase in arrests related to smuggling cases.
“We have indeed seen an increase in arrests of people smuggling goods into the country. Although I am currently not in a position to provide the exact statistics, the trend is clear – we are witnessing a rise in smuggling-related arrests,” he said.
Preliminary investigations by this newspaper indicate that some individuals previously involved in smuggling goods along the border have since sought alternative livelihoods.
Mr Dudzai Macheso from Hauna in Honde Valley stated that he had abandoned smuggling of second-hand clothes due to increased risks.
“I used to survive on smuggling bales of second-hand clothes from Mozambique, but I have since opened a grocery shop at Hauna Growth Point. With drones now monitoring the border, smuggling has become too risky,” he said.
Recently, a special police taskforce was deployed to combat smuggling, leading to a fatal shootout with suspects.
Three arrests were made, and vehicles used in the smuggling were impounded.
A large assortment of smuggled goods, including second-hand clothes and shoes worth thousands of dollars, was confiscated.
Speaking during a recent tour of Forbes Border Post, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube said: “I am pleased to announce that we have concessioned the infrastructure development to investors who will expand and redevelop the Forbes Border Post. We expect this group to deliver a modernised border post. Considering their progress at Beitbridge Border Post, we believe they possess the requisite skills to give us a revamped border post.”
The Forbes Border Post project is part of a broader Government initiative to introduce computerised and online border management systems at all entry points to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and combat potential corruption.
During a recent tour of the immigration department at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe announced plans for a new integrated border system, connecting civil registry, police, and immigration departments.
Most of the necessary hardware is already in place, with e-gates yet to be installed.
Minister Kazembe confirmed that once operational, the system will significantly reduce queues at arrivals and departures.
Key features of the new system include facial recognition technology, which verifies travellers’ identities against passport data.
The online platform automates processes, enhancing efficiency and minimising human intervention.
As the system is rolled out to all border posts, Zimbabwe transitions from manual to digital operations.
The modernisation aligns with the country’s broader strategy to streamline border management, bolster security, and improve travel experiences for visitors and citizens.
Furthermore, plans are underway to establish additional formal entry points in Honde Valley and Cashel Valley, to decongest Forbes Border Post.
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