Vusumuzi Dube
Sunday News Reporter
Hundreds of travellers, mainly cross-border traders and shoppers, found themselves stranded in Beitbridge on Wednesday after bus operators suspended their services.
This decision came in response to fears that their vehicles would be impounded during a government-led anti-smuggling operation.
The crackdown was initiated following Finance Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube’s declaration of a “war on smuggling” during the 2025 national budget presentation. The operation specifically targets buses suspected of carrying undeclared goods believed to be contraband. Operators have faced hefty fines, with penalties reaching as high as US$60,000 per bus for violations.
Typically, between 120 and 220 buses traverse the Beitbridge border post daily, with many others stopping in the border town due to a lack of proper permits. The situation is particularly dire as the festive season approaches, a time when the number of travelers usually surges, amplifying the impact of the bus service withdrawal.
On Wednesday, bus crews offloaded passengers and parked their vehicles after several buses were seized by authorities. Armed police, supported by various enforcement teams, set up checkpoints on roads leading to the border, redirecting vehicles lacking proper documentation to Customs yards. The seized goods included essential items such as rice, sugar, and dairy products, alongside clothing, tires, and electrical appliances.
At the Dulivhadzimo bus terminus, stranded passengers expressed their frustration as buses unloaded luggage and ceased operations. Many of these travellers depend on cross-border trade for their livelihoods, leaving them uncertain about how to transport their goods.
In response to the crackdown, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has employed numerous casual workers to manage the packing of confiscated items. Impounded buses are being held at facilities in towns like Masvingo, Beitbridge, and Harare, while seized goods are stored in Customs warehouses.
Minister Ncube’s directive empowers Zimra to confiscate products if importers cannot provide proof of customs duty payment. Additionally, authorities are authorized to raid retail outlets, such as tuckshops, to seize goods suspected of being smuggled.
This operation has caused significant disruption, particularly for informal traders known as “runners,” who often transport goods without proper documentation. As the festive season approaches, the ongoing crackdown could have lasting repercussions on cross-border trade and travel in the region.
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