Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
VILLAGERS close to border towns in Matabeleland South Province who have been cashing on leasing out storage facilities to smugglers have been warned to stop the illicit practice forthwith as a crack team will soon visit them as the Government intensifies its efforts to stop smuggling activities.
The warning comes in the wake of revelations that villagers around border towns and residents in the same are complicit in smuggling as they were ignorantly or deliberately providing storage facilities to smugglers evading the law.
Addressing the issue at Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA)’s Container Depot (CONDEP) Bulawayo, Presidential Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti acknowledged the challenges posed by porous borders, particularly along the country’s southern region saying they will deal with perpetrators decisively and those that are assisting them.
“We are aware that we have got porous borders as a country,” he said.
“We are aware that there are some villagers along the borders who are now leasing out storage space to smugglers and we will deal with them decisively.”
Eng Muguti highlighted that the anti-smuggling drive, initiated in September last year will become a permanent feature in the country’s efforts to rebuild the economy.
He dismissed claims of political motivation behind the crackdown, emphasising that it primarily aims to protect the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.
“We are aware that we also have political elements who are trying to politicise the President’s vision of rebuilding the economy by stopping smuggling,” he said.
“We can confirm that this has nothing to do with politics. This has everything to do with the economy and the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.”
Eng Muguti singled out Matabeleland South Province as a key area of concern due to its proximity to South Africa and Botswana. He acknowledged the need for increased enforcement in the region, particularly after a perceived lack of action over the past years.
“We have directed Matabeleland South to ensure that they enforce much better and also to ensure that we utilise the drone technology that we have now deployed within Zimra across our borders.”
The Government also outlined stricter consequences for those caught smuggling.
“Gone are the days when we used to confiscate things and ask you for a nice friendly fine and return so that the goods are returned to you.”
“From now going forward, you smuggle something into the country, we catch you, we forfeit it to the State, and that becomes a State asset.”
The Government emphasised the importance of supporting local industries, citing examples of growing manufacturing sectors in Bulawayo.
“There’s no reason whatsoever why we should have second-hand clothing being smuggled into the country,” he said.
The Government’s intensified crackdown on smuggling is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economy and trade relations with neighbouring countries.
Zimra regional manager Mr Bekezela Majokojoko told the delegation led by Eng Muguti that most goods were being smuggled along the rivers. He said the authority is yet to acquire an auctioneer to auction the confiscated goods. — @nyeve14
Online Reporter
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