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Crime Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has intercepted three fuel trucks in transit at Chirundu One-Stop Boarder Post linked to a fuel smuggling syndicate in the country.
The fuel was meant to be transported to Zambia, potentially prejudicing the country of potential revenues through organised crime.
In a statement, Zimra’s head of corporate communications, Mr Francis Chimanda, confirmed the developments and said two drivers had so far been arrested in connection with the case.
“During the period from 17 July 2021 to 23 July 2021, three tankers that had declared fuel at Forbes Border Post enroute to Zambia were intercepted at Chirundu One Stop Border Post, all loaded with water instead of fuel as per the declarations made at Forbes Border Post.
“The tankers had respectively declared 44 924 litres of diesel, 39 932 litres of diesel and 45 800 litres of petrol destined for Zambia. However, the three tankers after physical inspections turned out to be carrying water.
“The three fuel tankers were flagged for physical inspection and with the assistance of police, two drivers were arrested and have already appeared in court. The driver of the third tanker is still at large after he disappeared during the physical inspection of the vehicle.”
Mr Chimanda said Zimra was seized with capacitating its intelligence management unit and will continue leveraging technology and data matching to fish out fuel smugglers.
Online Reporter