Moffat Mungazi
Fidelis Chavarike
Post Reporter
A MOZAMBICAN national, Rafael Orlando Goncalves (25), was caught red-handed at an illegal crossing point near Forbes Border Post trying to smuggle two sacks of second-hand jackets.
The incident occurred on March 22, 2025 around 10pm at the Rimai illegal crossing point.
He was handed over to the CID Law and Order, with the smuggled goods handed over to Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Forbes Border post for seizure.
He appeared before Mutare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe on charges of contravening Section 182 of the Customs and Excise Act Chapter 23:04 that makes smuggling punishable.
Goncalves was slapped with a US$200 fine or face 20 days in prison.
He was also to be deported back to Mozambique.
“Your actions of smuggling second hand jackets in Zimbabwe is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Smuggling is a serious offense that undermines our country`s economy,” said Mr Mahwe.
The State led, by Ms Sharon Mlambo argued that Goncalves’ actions were a clear violation of the customs and excise law.
“The accused person knowingly and intentionally smuggled the second hand jackets into Zimbabwe without declaring them, for that he acted unlawfully.
His actions were calculated to evade customs regulations,” said Ms Mlambo.
Online Reporter