Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A HAULAGE truck driver allegedly smuggled beer and soft drinks, worth US$10,000, by concealing them in a consignment of Calcium Nitrate before crossing into Zimbabwe without paying duty.
Ishmael Muwende (25), who is employed by Third Strand Transport, leaded the drinks in Beira, Mozambique.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Muwende.
He said he allegedly did not declare the drinks at the border and at ZIMRA’s GMS branch in Mutare.
He was arrested in Mutare CBD with the undeclared goods.
“On August 12, 2026, at around 4pm, police officers received information to the effect that there was a haulage truck which was loading some beverages inside a consignment of calcium nitrate at Beira in Mozambique and that the consignment was intended to be smuggled into Zimbabwe.
“Police officers teamed up, proceeded to Forbes Border Post and monitored the arrival of the said haulage truck.
“On August 16, 2026, at around 4.20am, the haulage truck, horse registration number ADS 4393 and trailer registration number AND 1107 crossed Forbes Border Post after undergoing initial clearance formalities.
“Police officers followed the truck to ZIMRA GMS, Mutare.
“Immediately after the truck had been cleared at GMS, police officers intercepted the haulage truck along Park Road as it was travelling towards Mutare Central Business District. “
He added:
“They signalled the accused person to stop and after stopping him they interviewed him.
“The accused person admitted to having smuggled some beverages which were concealed inside a consignment of Calcium Nitrate which had been duly declared.
“The truck was impounded and was taken to ZIMRA GMS yard where a physical examination was done.
“The following smuggled beverages were recovered – 756 cases of 12x350mls Coca Cola soft drinks, 120 cases of 6x330mls Savanna Cider, 30 boxes 24x355ml Corona Cider and 38 cases of 6x330mls Flying Cider.
“The 30 tonne haulage truck and the recovered beverages were handed over to ZIMRA GMS pending seizure.
“The smuggled goods are valued at US$10,000 and the owner of the goods is yet to be established.”
