Zimbabweans nabbed for trying to smuggle goods into Namibia

Namibian immigration officials at the Trans-Kalahari border post, also known as Buitepos that is the main border between Botswana and Namibia, impounded close to N$100 000 worth of merchandise from Zimbabwean nationals who apparently tried to evade paying import tax and duties for the goods on Friday.

Lesley Tjikuzu, chief customs officer at the border post said that they seized leather jackets, jeans, replica soccer jerseys of different football clubs, including South African teams, photo frames and others goods. He estimates the State would have lost about N$170 009 on duties and taxes.

He said the foreign nationals only declared some of the goods and when they were about to cross, the scanner detected the rest of the hidden merchandise. "They wanted to smuggle the goods to go sell," he added.

The immigration office is holding the goods at the border until brand representatives from South Africa arrive to verify the trademarks and to see if the brands are genuine or counterfeit.

Tjikuzu warned people who intend smuggling goods into Namibia that the new scanners at all border posts in Namibia at Ariamsvlei, Oshikango and Noordoewer, plus at Hosea Kutako International International Airport, are very effective and will detect any hidden goods.

"Those who do not want to comply with the (duties and import taxes) should be aware. This is an indication that our scanners are working," he warned.

The immigration chief said that under-valuation of goods was common at border posts since those who bring in goods habitually hide proof of purchase documents, such as receipts. Tjikuzu said this was common especially with vehicles purchased in Botswana or South Africa.

Just about two weeks ago, close to 600 packs of cigarettes with a street value of N$26 865 were seized at the same border post.

The alleged perpetrator, also a Zimbabwean national, was released to pay close to N$98 000 in fines, taxes and duties.

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