Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
GOVERNMENT has launched a combined Anti-Smuggling and Anti-Drug Trafficking and Abuse campaign at Beitbridge Border Post.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, led the programme that was held at Pagomba Café on Friday, supported by Cross Borders for Economic Development `Crossborders4ED.
It brought together Government agencies, cross border traders/transporters, youth, religious leaders and residents in a show of collective action against smuggling, drug abuse and environmental degradation.
Through a multi-agencies task force, Government is intensifying a crackdown on crime at the border betweenZimbabwe and South Africa where the smuggling of goods was almost getting out of hand.
Estimates suggest the Government is losing millions of dollars in customs duty and export levies at the border due to intrusive leakages through the port of entry and its flanks.
Some of the known illegal entry points include- Mai Maria, Panda Mine, Dite, Tshikwalakwala, Mawale, River Ranch(Beitbridge East) and Sentinel, Tshivhara, Shashe (Beitbridge West).
Groceries, cement, furniture, banned genetically modified foods, marijuana (mbanje), bron-cleer (cough syrup used by drug abusers) and beer top the list of the illicit goods finding their way into the country, while minerals and mainly stolen livestock, cigarettes are smuggled out into South Africa via the same river.
According to security officials, smugglers are avoiding the border and using the border flanks. They then load the goods in intercity buses or cargo trucks in Beitbridge for transportation to various destinations within Zimbabwe.
As the crackdown continues on smuggling, State warehouses managed by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) at the Beitbridge border post have of late been overflowing with intercepted goods.
The use of drones, commercial and baggage scanners, motorised patrols and the canine unit is bearing fruit for the Government.
Under the new order, authorities have been able to increase surveillance in all hotspot areas and minimise the loss of revenue that is critical in funding Government commitments.
In his remarks, Minister Nguluvhe urged all traders to utilise legal channels, comply with customs regulations and work together with Government agencies in promoting lawful commerce.
“Smuggling undermines our economy by depriving the Government of critical revenue required to build schools, clinics, roads and other public infrastructure,” he said.
“Government recognises the important role played by cross-border traders in economic development. However, all trade activities must be conducted within the framework of the law.
“Formal trade strengthens our economy, protects legitimate businesses and contributes to national development. I, therefore, urge all traders to utilise legal channels, comply with customs regulations and work together with Government agencies in promoting lawful commerce.”
Minister Nguluvhe said as SADC’s busiest inland port of entry and preface to the country, Beitbridge must project orderliness to attract tourism and investment.
He also led a clean-up campaign from the Border Post through the Bus Rank and into the Town Centre and a portion of the highway between the border post and the traffic circle separating roads leading to Bulawayo and Harare.
Minister Nguluvhe took the opportunity to update stakeholders on Matabeleland South’s progress under the National Drug and Substance Abuse Master Plan.
He said the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Steering Committee had recently visited Mangwe and Bulilima districts to strengthen coordination, reporting and rehabilitation programmes.
District committees, he said, have been revitalised and traditional leaders empowered to lead awareness, prevention and rehabilitation locally.
The minister also said that the Treasury had released approximately US$24 million to rehabilitate and upgrade the Provincial Rehabilitation Centre in Gwanda, with refurbishment works expected to start soon.
He further called on parents and community leaders to remain vigilant, businesses to partner in resource mobilisation and skills development, and Government agencies to strengthen coordination and information sharing.
National chairperson of the Cross Borders for Economic Development Mr David Masomera said the association was in full support of the launch of the Government’s Anti-Smuggling and Anti-Drug Trafficking & Abuse campaign.
