Zimra shuts down Unity Village Flea Market in Bulawayo amid nationwide crackdown on smuggled goods

THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has locked up Unity Village Flea Market in Bulawayo as part of a nationwide blitz targeting smuggled goods and counterfeit products.

The flea market, which houses dozens of traders, is one of the busiest in the city centre, offering a variety of products ranging from clothing and footwear to mobile phones, accessories, and kitchenware.

This move comes as Zimra intensifies its crackdown across the country, targeting smuggling syndicates and tax evasion practices to boost Government revenue for national development.

When the Zimpapers Business Hub visited the market this afternoon, crowds of people were milling around, unsure of where to go after their shops had been closed.

In an interview, the head of security at Unity Village, Mr Gilter Manasidze, confirmed that shops selling clothing, kitchenware, phones, and phone accessories had been closed. However, he clarified that Zimra had stated that those offering phone repair and other services were not being targeted.

“They are targeting those who are not paying duty, especially those who deal with clothing, mobile phones, and accessories. However, those who repair phones do not seem to be affected,” said Mr Manasidze.
“They have instructed us to compile all the stock and submit it to them so they can calculate how much duty is owed.”

Affected traders, who were gathered outside the closed market, expressed their frustration, stating that the shutdown was a significant blow to their livelihoods. Many now face an uncertain wait for Zimra officials to resolve the issue.

“I don’t know what to do; I will just wait for Zimra officials to see what they say next. I am hoping for an immediate resolution to this unexpected shutdown,” said one trader, who chose to remain anonymous.

Others voiced concerns about losing customers and struggling to provide for their families due to the uncertainty of when they would be able to resume business.

Meanwhile, retail outlets adjacent to the Central Police Station, among others, have also been closed in recent weeks as part of the same operation.