Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
POLICE in Mutare have arrested a Sakubva man after he failed to account for bales of second-hand clothes at his home during a multi-agency operation.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, said Godfrey Chinguruwe (33), of House Number 10 Chineta, Sakubva, was arrested last week. It followed a tip-off that he was dealing in second-hand clothes and shoes suspected to have been smuggled into the country.
He said a team from ZRP Mutare Central, working in conjunction with members from the Ferret Team, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and the Department of Immigration in Mutare, raided Chingurumwe’s home.
“Upon arrival, the team found Chinguruwe in possession of ten bales of second-hand shoes and five bales of second-hand clothes.
“He failed to produce documentation.
“The police arrested him and seized the five sealed bales of second-hand clothes and ten bales of second-hand shoes. Both the suspect and the recovered goods were taken to the GMS ZIMRA Post in Mutare for further management and processing,” he said.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said investigations are still underway to establish the origin of the goods and whether proper importation procedures were followed. “We continue to receive information about individuals who are dealing in second-hand goods without following laid-down importation and customs procedures.
“In this case, the suspect allegedly failed to account for the bales found in his possession,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
He warned police will intensify operations targeting smuggling and illegal trading activities, particularly in border towns.
“Those involved in smuggling or buying goods that have not been properly cleared through ZIMRA risk arrest and prosecution. We urge members of the public to desist from engaging in such activities and to report suspicious dealings to the police.
“We are working closely with other security agencies to curb smuggling along our borders. Such activities prejudice the economy and disadvantage compliant traders,” he said.
He reiterated that security patrols along the border would be maintained and strengthened to deter would-be offenders.
