Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A JOINT operation by Zimbabwean authorities has resulted in the arrest of two Mozambican nationals, Sam Ferinando (25) and Takudzwa Lovemore Gondo (25), both from Chadzuka village, Chief Mudhabhura, in the neighbouring country.
The duo was found to be transporting Zimbabwean smugglers of second-hand clothes using unregistered motorcycles to facilitate illegal cross-border activities.
The arrests were made in conjunction with the apprehension of two Zimbabwean women, Rosemary Muzondiwa (50) and Mary Nyandoro (43), both from Chiendambuya village, under Chief Makoni, who were allegedly involved in smuggling second-hand clothes into the country.The operation aimed to curb the illicit trade and ensure compliance with customs regulations.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest saying the Mozambican nationals are being charged for violating customs and excise laws for entering Zimbabwe without accounting for the two Lifan motor cycles they used to ferry Muzondiwa and Nyadombo and their contraband.
Muzondiwa and Nyadombo were fined US$30 each for violating immigration laws for using an illegal entry point in Penhalonga from Mozambique.
“On August 2, 2025 at around 10am and at Penhalonga Shops along Liverpool Road, two police officers from ZRP Penhalonga were on a traffic blitz when they intercepted two unregistered Lifan motorcycles. Ferinando was riding a black Lifan LF49 engine number 139MFB P1310eight47 while carrying Muzondiwa and Nyadombo as passengers. Gondo was riding a black Lifan with 2x50kg sacks of second hand clothes.
“Ferinando and Gondo were interviewed about the origins of the two unregistered Lifan motorcycles and failed to account for them since they indicated that they were coming from Mozambique through Monarch illegal entry point, carrying Muzondiwa and Nyadombo as passengers with their 2x50kgs sacks of second hand clothes mixed with shoes.
“The motor cycles, sacks of clothes and accused persons were escorted to ZRP Penhalonga.
“Ferinando and Gondo are being charged with contravening section 174 (2)(b) of the Customs Excise and Control Act (Chapter 23.03) – failure to account for goods which are supposed to be accounted for.
“Muzondiwa and Nyadombo were charged with contravening Section 24 of the Immigration Act (Chapter 4.02) — entry by invasion, and were made to pay a fine of US$30 each,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
