News / Local
Fuel smuggler arrested
03 Nov 2023 at 01:41hrs | Views
A Bulawayo man, Raytor Chibvongodze (42), from Queenspark suburb, has been arrested by Plumtree police for smuggling over 1,400 litres of fuel valued at US$2,280 from Botswana, confirmed Acting Matabeleland South Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni.
According to Assistant Inspector Mguni, the arrest followed a tipoff received by the Bulilimamangwe District anti-smuggling team on October 27, 2023. The team, working in collaboration with ZRP Solusi Base, conducted a spot check along the Bulawayo-Solusi Road at Solusi University turnoff. Chibvongodze was apprehended while driving a Toyota Granvia with registration number ADV 1904. A search of his vehicle revealed that he was transporting 57 containers, each holding 25 litres of petrol. The accused was subsequently taken to ZRP Plumtree for further processing.
Assistant Inspector Mguni emphasized that the police are taking stringent measures to combat smuggling and urged the public to report any smuggling incidents. He also warned motorists against using fuel from unlicensed sources, which may lead to vehicle damage due to contaminated fuel.
Chibvongodze appeared in court and was fined US$200 for his involvement in the smuggling operation. Additionally, Plumtree police have been cracking down on smuggling syndicates, arresting the drivers of two quantum vehicles transporting smuggled electrical goods from Botswana. These drivers are currently being processed at Plumtree Police Station, with court appearances expected.
Illegal smuggling across the border is a widespread issue, with 26 suspects arrested in the first nine months of the year.
According to Assistant Inspector Mguni, the arrest followed a tipoff received by the Bulilimamangwe District anti-smuggling team on October 27, 2023. The team, working in collaboration with ZRP Solusi Base, conducted a spot check along the Bulawayo-Solusi Road at Solusi University turnoff. Chibvongodze was apprehended while driving a Toyota Granvia with registration number ADV 1904. A search of his vehicle revealed that he was transporting 57 containers, each holding 25 litres of petrol. The accused was subsequently taken to ZRP Plumtree for further processing.
Assistant Inspector Mguni emphasized that the police are taking stringent measures to combat smuggling and urged the public to report any smuggling incidents. He also warned motorists against using fuel from unlicensed sources, which may lead to vehicle damage due to contaminated fuel.
Chibvongodze appeared in court and was fined US$200 for his involvement in the smuggling operation. Additionally, Plumtree police have been cracking down on smuggling syndicates, arresting the drivers of two quantum vehicles transporting smuggled electrical goods from Botswana. These drivers are currently being processed at Plumtree Police Station, with court appearances expected.
Illegal smuggling across the border is a widespread issue, with 26 suspects arrested in the first nine months of the year.
Source - The Chronicle
