adminsearch for smuggled goods at his premises in the industrial area.
Bernard Mufokozana has since appeared in court charged with obstructing a public official from discharging his duties.
He was remanded on free bail to December 5 for trial.
It is understood that on October 29 the complainant, Tafadzwa Charamba who is attached to the Zimra Compliance and Enforcement Section got a tip-off that Mufokozana was keeping smuggled antics and furniture at his warehouse.
Charamba teamed up with policemen and security guards from National Eye Security Company and visited the place.
National Eye Security provides security to Zimra in Beitbridge.
Charamba entered the premises where an argument ensued with workers at the warehouse over his intention to search the premises.
Mufokozana – who was away at that time – arrived later in the company of two other people.
The trio assaulted Charamba, accusing him of being big-headed.
Unarmed police officers are reported to have fled the scene leaving Charamba at the mercy of Mufokozana and his friends.
Charamba is reported to have sustained a knee injury and a swollen face.
He was later saved from further assault by armed members of the Police Support Unit who later arrested Mufokozana and his frie- nds.
The premises were in turn put on an embargo by Zimra upon the production of documents indicating that he had legally imported his antics through a port of entry.
Police Officer Commanding Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chinhengo confirmed the case.
Ironically, Charamba with the help of police in Beitbridge had seized 1 044 boxes of export quality cigarettes worth thousands of dollars from Mufokozana’s young brother Munyaradzi in one of the suburbs.
Munyaradzi has since been charged for contravening a section of the Customs and Excise Act.
His trial is pending at the Beitbridge Magistrate Courts.
Online Reporter