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Mthuli Ncube cracks down on smugglers
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The Government of Zimbabwe has initiated a nationwide crackdown on smuggling through cross-border buses and illegal businesses trading in contraband to safeguard local industries and protect consumer welfare.
The operation, which began last week, is targeting entertainment spots, liquor vendors, and businesses engaging in unethical practices, including the sale of illicit liquor, counterfeit goods, and underweight or unlabelled products. Authorities have already impounded vehicles and confiscated various goods, such as foodstuffs and alcohol, as part of the ongoing efforts.
In Bulawayo, inspections have been intensified, resulting in the temporary closure of several businesses found in violation of regulations. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is leading the operation, with collaboration from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the police, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), and the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) to clamp down on rampant smuggling activities.
Officials say smuggling undermines local industries by disrupting value chains, creating an uneven playing field, and posing significant health and safety risks. ZIMRA has emphasized that compliance with customs regulations is essential, and all goods must be declared at entry points.
"Failure to declare goods can lead to significant legal and financial consequences," ZIMRA stated in a recent communication. The authority also indicated that travellers might be required to present proof of customs declarations at roadblocks, which are part of a post-clearance audit process.
Penalties for non-declaration include fines, seizure of goods, and, in severe cases, imprisonment. During discussions on the 2025 National Budget, Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, stressed the gravity of the issue.
"Non-declaration of goods is a criminal offence in Zimbabwe, whether they are personal belongings or goods for commercial purposes," Prof. Ncube stated. He explained that the national programme is targeting businesses engaged in illegal practices, such as using parallel market exchange rates, selling counterfeit goods, and evading taxes.
According to Prof. Ncube, smuggling hampers local production, disrupts value chains, and undermines the government's revenue collection mechanisms. It also poses a substantial threat to public health and safety, especially in regard to food items, medicines, and alcohol that bypass essential health and safety controls.
As part of the crackdown, 24-hour roadblocks have been set up along major highways leading into cities, with multi-agency teams inspecting vehicles suspected of transporting smuggled goods. Retail outlets across the country are also being subjected to impromptu inspections, requiring business owners to prove the legality of their stock.
"The operation will be intensified during the festive season when many Zimbabweans return home from the diaspora, potentially increasing the volume of smuggled goods," Prof. Ncube said. He added that the government's comprehensive approach is designed to address business malpractices that undermine the economy and harm consumers.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has commended the operation, with CZR president Dr. Denford Mutashu describing it as a necessary measure to protect consumers and local businesses.
"We are working with security services to ensure that these illegal activities are stamped out. Smuggled goods, such as electronics, detergents, and foodstuffs, pose significant risks to consumer health and undermine local industries," Dr. Mutashu said.
He also warned businesses engaged in smuggling that the operation would continue nationwide and that those found violating the law would face consequences.
"This operation is ongoing, and we are pleased with the progress so far. Businesses must understand that smuggling is an offence, and they must comply with the law," he added.
The government's latest initiative underscores its commitment to ensuring a fair and sustainable business environment, one that prioritizes the welfare of consumers and the protection of local industries.
The operation, which began last week, is targeting entertainment spots, liquor vendors, and businesses engaging in unethical practices, including the sale of illicit liquor, counterfeit goods, and underweight or unlabelled products. Authorities have already impounded vehicles and confiscated various goods, such as foodstuffs and alcohol, as part of the ongoing efforts.
In Bulawayo, inspections have been intensified, resulting in the temporary closure of several businesses found in violation of regulations. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is leading the operation, with collaboration from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the police, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), and the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) to clamp down on rampant smuggling activities.
Officials say smuggling undermines local industries by disrupting value chains, creating an uneven playing field, and posing significant health and safety risks. ZIMRA has emphasized that compliance with customs regulations is essential, and all goods must be declared at entry points.
"Failure to declare goods can lead to significant legal and financial consequences," ZIMRA stated in a recent communication. The authority also indicated that travellers might be required to present proof of customs declarations at roadblocks, which are part of a post-clearance audit process.
Penalties for non-declaration include fines, seizure of goods, and, in severe cases, imprisonment. During discussions on the 2025 National Budget, Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, stressed the gravity of the issue.
"Non-declaration of goods is a criminal offence in Zimbabwe, whether they are personal belongings or goods for commercial purposes," Prof. Ncube stated. He explained that the national programme is targeting businesses engaged in illegal practices, such as using parallel market exchange rates, selling counterfeit goods, and evading taxes.
As part of the crackdown, 24-hour roadblocks have been set up along major highways leading into cities, with multi-agency teams inspecting vehicles suspected of transporting smuggled goods. Retail outlets across the country are also being subjected to impromptu inspections, requiring business owners to prove the legality of their stock.
"The operation will be intensified during the festive season when many Zimbabweans return home from the diaspora, potentially increasing the volume of smuggled goods," Prof. Ncube said. He added that the government's comprehensive approach is designed to address business malpractices that undermine the economy and harm consumers.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has commended the operation, with CZR president Dr. Denford Mutashu describing it as a necessary measure to protect consumers and local businesses.
"We are working with security services to ensure that these illegal activities are stamped out. Smuggled goods, such as electronics, detergents, and foodstuffs, pose significant risks to consumer health and undermine local industries," Dr. Mutashu said.
He also warned businesses engaged in smuggling that the operation would continue nationwide and that those found violating the law would face consequences.
"This operation is ongoing, and we are pleased with the progress so far. Businesses must understand that smuggling is an offence, and they must comply with the law," he added.
The government's latest initiative underscores its commitment to ensuring a fair and sustainable business environment, one that prioritizes the welfare of consumers and the protection of local industries.
Source - The Chronicle
