Two arrested in smuggling bust

The suspect was apprehended by members of the public while attempting to flee the scene

Fidelis Chavarike
Post Reporter

IN a recent incident, police officers on anti-smuggling duties apprehended two suspects in Mutare.

The incident happened on May 22 around 4am.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said police were conducting a stop-and-search exercise at Rowa along the Mutare-Masvingo road, when a Toyota Wish (AEE 3382) approached the checkpoint.

The occupants of the vehicle were Erick Manyangadze (43) of Murahwa, Sakubva, Mutare and Sarah Mutasa (43) of Chikanga 2, Mutare.

“The police tried to stop the motor vehicle, but the driver, Manyangadze slowed down and suddenly sped off. The police chased after the vehicle and apprehended them at the 18km peg near Zimunya High School,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered that it was loaded with 50x100ml bottles of Broncleer, 24x100mls of Benlyn, 10 stuffed dagga packets, mixed clothes and pairs of shoes suspected to have been smuggled from South Africa.

The suspects were subsequently arrested and taken to Mutare CID Drugs.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the public to partner with the police in the fight against smuggling, saying: “We call upon the community to partner with us in the fight against smuggling, and report any information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of those involved.”

Investigations are currently ongoing.