Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
TIMBER smugglers are now facing the music as Government intensifies efforts to curb the illegal movement of timber from the neighbouring Mozambique into Zimbabwe through illegal crossing points.
The arrest comes as Government moves to tighten surveillance and enforcement measures following the establishment of a Timber Anti-Smuggling Taskforce two weeks ago to combat the growing illegal trade which is posing threats to the local timber industry.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of three suspects, Isaac Pandukai (40) of Area 13, Dangamvura, Elijah Gwenzi (43) of Mercy Camp, Nyanga and Misheck Chidza (38) of Mafararikwa Village, Chief Marange for allegedly smuggling 30 cubic meters of structural timber through an illegal entry point in Mutasa District.
“On October 30, at around 10pm, police details received information to the effect that the accused persons wanted to smuggle timber from Mozambique to Zimbabwe through Monarch illegal crossing point.
“The team laid an ambush along a dust road at Zengeni Village, Chief Mutasa. On the same day at around 11pm, Pandukai approached, driving an unregistered ERF 15-tonne truck, white in colour, loaded with 15 cubic meters of structural timber.
“While on their way to the police station, and at Liverpool, near Donnie Night Club, Penhalonga, the team also intercepted Gwenzi who was driving a Mercedes Benz, Registration Number ABJ1441, green in colour, loaded with 15 cubic meters of smuggled timber, and was in the company of Chidza.
“The three were asked to produce timber movement permit, timber invoice receipts and timber delivery note, but they failed to produce the required documents, and were subsequently arrested,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Timber is reportedly being smuggled through areas bordering timber estates in Imbeza, Sheba and Cashel Valley, where unscrupulous individuals are facilitating its illegal movement despite some crossing points being designated for human traffic only.
The Manica Post has also learnt that smugglers are increasingly exploiting illegal crossing points in Chipinge South, where limited security presence provides opportunities for illicit trade.
Timber smugglers arrested
