adminLetwin Mubonesi
SMUGGLING 16 bales of second hand shoes into the country from Mozambique through an undesignated entry point earned an informal teenage trader a fine of $100.
Appearing before Mutare magistrate, Mr Langton Mukwengi, Tinashe Kufahakurambwi pleaded guilty to contravening Section 174 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act which outlaws the smuggling of second hand clothing into Zimbabwe without declaring them at the border.
It was the State’s case led by Mr Fletcher Karombe that on December 24, 2015 at Odzi Business Centre, Kufahakurambwi was found in possession of 16 bales of second hand shoes which he had allegedly smuggled from the neighbouring Mozambique.
“Kufahakurambwi boarded Tenda Bus from Mutare to Harare to resale the second hand shoes he had smuggled from Mozambique. The bus was then stopped at the roadblock for inspection by the police officers and they inquired to see the owner of the 16 bales of second hand shoes but Kufahakurambwi made a good escape from the scene.
“The shoes were taken to Odzi police station and later Kufahakurambwi surrendered himself to the police officers leading to his arrest,” said Mr Karombe.
Asked to explain why he had committed the offence, Kufahakurambwi asked for forgiveness and later indicated that it was a way of earning a living together with his siblings.
“I was trying to earn a living but however, I erred please forgive me Your Worship,” pleaded Kufahakurambwi.
However, Mr Mukwengi ordered him to pay $100 fine or serve the alternative of 60 days imprisonment.
Mr Mukwengi said: “Your goods have been forfeited to the State and you are ordered to pay $100 fine. If you fail to pay the fine, you will serve an alternative 60 days imprisonment and I would advise you to desist from that bad behaviour because crime doesn’t pay.”
Online Reporter