Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
A 28-year-old Beitbridge man has been fined US$5 000 by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority after being caught smuggling over 9.6 tonnes of meat products from South Africa.
Aison Muzanenhamo was intercepted at a police roadblock along the Mvuma–Gweru Road on April 27 at around 6.30am while driving a Nissan UD truck with two other occupants on board.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police Midlands provincial spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said officers manning the roadblock stopped the truck and, upon searching it, discovered large quantities of undeclared meat products.
“The vehicle had 3 226kg of polony, 4 840kg of chicken meat and 1 614kg of Russian sausages, which were all smuggled,” he said.
Inspector Mahoko said health inspectors and Zimra officials were called to the scene for verification, adding that Muzanenhamo was subsequently issued with a US$5 000 fine. Zimra officers, he added, impounded the truck, which is being held at the Gweru offices pending payment of the fine. Police warned the public against smuggling, saying operations targeting the illegal movement of goods would be intensified.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warn members of the public to desist from engaging in smuggling activities. Police will intensify operations targeting smuggling and other illegal activities,” said Inspector Mahoko. The case comes amid heightened border enforcement as authorities move to curb revenue leakages and protect public health through controls on imported foodstuffs.
