Sundaymail EditorAgriculture Reporter
In a shocking development, five people were recently arrested at Tobacco Sales Floor for allegedly engaging in illicit operations, undercutting fair market practices and preying on helpless tobacco farmers.
Vigilant scrutiny by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board’s (TIMB) inspectorate unit exposed the nefarious activities.
The arrests signal a broader effort to root out corruption and ensure fair and transparent practices in the trade of tobacco, a vital crop for Zimbabwe’s economy.
During routine surveillance patrols, the unit intercepted two corruption rackets within 48 hours.
On Monday, a team of four individuals was arrested in connection with a scheme designed to manipulate bale rejections, switch tobacco bales and distort pricing.
“The syndicate involved people operating within the auction floor and external collaborators. Their strategy was to solicit bribes from unsuspecting farmers, promising them favourable auction outcomes,” said TIMB in a statement.
“According to our investigations, one farmer was approached and asked to pay money to prevent his bales from being rejected. After paying the requested amount, part of the money was passed to a checker representing one of the merchants, while another portion was handed over to an outside trader who would later buy the manipulated bales at a lower cost.
“Investigations revealed a disturbing level of coordination designed to subvert the entire marketing process.”
All four members of the syndicate were arrested on site and are due to appear in court.
On Tuesday, TIMB’s watchdog team made another arrest at the same auction floor.
“This time, an individual was caught impersonating a buyer from a known tobacco company, using an outdated identification tag to gain access and credibility,” said TIMB. “This impersonator targeted farmers waiting for their tobacco to be assessed, threatening to reject their bales unless they paid bribes.”
A grower, who had delivered 15 bales, was asked to pay US$10 per bale to avoid rejection and secure a favourable price.
The farmer, however, only managed to pay US$20, prompting immediate action by the TIMB inspectorate, which arrested the suspect and recovered the cash.
The matter is now under police investigation at ZRP Southerton CR 82/04/25.
The board has reiterated its zero tolerance to corruption and urged all players in the tobacco value chain to report suspicious or unethical behaviour.
TIMB acting chief executive, Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire said the board was determined to uphold transparency, fairness and integrity in the tobacco marketing system.
“The industry must be protected from those who seek to exploit farmers and compromise the integrity of our systems. Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any illegal activities to TIMB or law enforcement officials,” said Mr Matsvaire.
Online Reporter