Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
FOUR suspects have been arrested for allegedly smuggling cement from Mozambique into Zimbabwe through an illegal entry point as Government intensifies operations to curb the influx of smuggled goods into the country.
The arrests come amid stepped-up efforts by authorities to stop the illegal importation of products such as timber, cement and second-hand clothes, which are being brought into the country through porous border points.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest of the suspects Innocent Chiwasha (52) Tapiwa Nevanji (50), Tendai Nevanji (27), Joseph Sandrum (21) all of Ndorikanda Village, Chief Mutasa and Arnold Muchirahondo (22) of N84B, Dangamvura, for allegedly 85x50kgs of cement through Monarch illegal crossing point in Mutasa District.
“On November 8 2026 around 11:30pm and at Allied Timbers, Nyangani Estate, boom gate a Support Unit border patrol received a tip off from a reliable informer to the effect that the accused persons were spotted crossing the Mozambique-Zimbabwe boarder through Monarch illegal crossing point.
“The team laid an ambush at Nyangani Estate boom gate and intercepted a 10 tonne MAN Diesel truck registration number AHO 6746 which was carrying 85x50kg bags of Forte ACS 42.5 cement. The accuse persons were ordered to produce the declaration forms for the cement but they failed to do so. They were subsequently arrested. The total value of the smuggled cement is yet to be established.
“We would like to warn people to desist from smuggling goods into the country. Goods must enter through formal border posts and be properly declared,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The latest arrests also come against the backdrop of efforts to combat timber smuggling from neighbouring Mozambique, which has prompted Government to establish a Timber Anti-Smuggling Taskforce to strengthen enforcement measures. Security forces have been conducting operations targeting individuals and networks involved in the illegal movement of goods across the border.
