Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), in collaboration with other border agencies, intercepted and destroyed 21 boats used for smuggling contraband between Zimbabwe and South Africa along the Limpopo River on Tuesday.
Most of the boats were located with the aid of drone surveillance technology.
In a statement, Zimra’s Commissioner General, Ms Regina Chinamasa, confirmed the confiscation and destruction of 21 smuggling boats and 20 paddles along the Limpopo River.
“This operation, a testament to Zimbabwe’s strengthened border security measures, highlights the growing impact of drone surveillance and a whole-of-government approach to tackling illicit trade,” said Ms Chinamasa.
“The sting operation saw Zimra’s elite Drone Operations Team, Customs Officers, and other border security stakeholders patrolling key smuggling hotspots, providing real-time aerial intelligence that led to the swift interception and destruction of smuggling infrastructure.”
She added that drones have revolutionised border security, providing unparalleled aerial surveillance and enabling the tracking of smugglers in real-time, even in remote areas that were previously difficult to monitor.
The Commissioner General noted that the drones are also equipped with night vision and high-resolution cameras.
She said the drones have been instrumental in identifying illegal crossing points and exposing deeply entrenched smuggling networks.
“This is a game-changer in our fight against smuggling. The use of drones has allowed us to detect smuggling activities with precision and speed, ensuring that illicit goods never make it into the market,” said the Commissioner General.
“Smuggling is not just about tax evasion—it’s an attack on Zimbabwe’s economy, local industries, and the safety of our communities. Through this collaborative approach, we are sending a strong message: Zimbabwe’s borders will not be a playground for criminals.”
Ms Chinamasa said the latest intelligence-driven operation targeted five notorious smuggling corridors, informally known as Valley 1 & 2, Proof, Godfather, and Thembani.
At these illegal crossing points, surveillance teams uncovered a fleet of inflatable boats strategically positioned on both the South African and Zimbabwean sides; vehicles on standby, ready to transport smuggled goods inland; and donkey-drawn carts, motor vehicles, and boats being used to ferry illicit goods across the border.
The Commissioner General emphasised that such smuggling operations threaten local businesses, flood the market with untaxed goods, weaken Zimbabwean manufacturers, and deprive the government of much-needed revenue for essential services.
“This operation underscores the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation in tackling illicit trade. Zimra, border security forces, law enforcement agencies, and local intelligence teams have intensified their efforts, working hand-in-hand to disrupt smuggling syndicates and uphold economic integrity,” said Ms Chinamasa.
She added that the revenue collector will continue to intensify aerial patrols, deploy more drones, and increase joint border operations with security agencies to completely dismantle smuggling syndicates.
Furthermore, she emphasised that the integration of AI-driven analytics and night-time drone surveillance will further bolster enforcement efforts, ensuring that smugglers have nowhere to hide.
“Smuggling is not just a crime—it’s economic sabotage,” Ms Chinamasa stated. “Those engaging in these illegal activities must understand that the net is tightening. We will find you, we will stop you, and we will ensure that Zimbabwe’s legitimate businesses and economy are protected.”
“We remain committed to facilitating legitimate trade while aggressively combating smuggling. The agency calls upon all citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to report smuggling activities and support ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s borders.”
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