Zimbabwe struggles to tackle smuggling as festive season approaches

The Zimbabwean government has expressed concerns over its ability to combat smuggling during the festive season due to limited resources, particularly fuel, required to support the taskforce teams. Statistics indicate that the country is losing up to US$1 billion annually in revenue from smuggling activities at its porous borders.

In response to the growing issue, the government launched an Anti-Smuggling Campaign across all ten provinces in November, aiming to curb the rampant smuggling of goods into and out of the country. However, the campaign has faced significant hurdles, particularly the shortage of resources necessary for effective enforcement.

Speaking at a press conference, Thomas Utete Wushe, the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Commerce, highlighted that the lack of fuel has hindered the establishment of roadblocks in all provinces. He noted that the shortage of resources has compromised the taskforce's ability to tackle smuggling effectively during the festive season, a peak time for illicit activities.

"To curb these malpractices, multi-stakeholder roadblocks have been instituted, consisting of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Additionally, stricter controls have been put in place at all border posts, with buses being subjected to thorough searches," said Wushe. "However, the unavailability of resources such as fuel has largely constrained the effective rolling out of the taskforce activities across all the country's ten provinces."

He emphasized that the festive season often sees a rise in smuggling as expatriates return home, bringing goods that evade customs duties, which negatively impacts local manufacturers.

To address this, Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, Tafadzwa Muguti, announced that the government would be intensifying operations with 24-hour roadblocks at key highways leading into major cities. The roadblocks will involve multi-agency teams inspecting vehicles suspected of carrying smuggled goods.

"Travellers will be required to present proof of their customs declaration, and retailers will also need to provide import papers. Shops will be searched, and smuggled vehicles will be confiscated by ZIMRA," Muguti said. "Smugglers will be arrested, and the state will oppose bail for offenders. Stricter penalties will be imposed on both individuals and businesses involved in smuggling and counterfeiting."

He further warned corrupt officials facilitating smuggling activities that they would face severe consequences. The government has made it clear that goods will be considered "smuggled" unless the seller provides evidence that customs duties have been properly paid.

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the challenges of smuggling, authorities remain committed to ramping up efforts to protect the economy and curb illegal trading practices, despite resource constraints.