Bus operators challenge Zimra's 'inland borders'

Bus operators have accused law enforcement agencies of harassment and unlawful penalties over passenger smuggling cases, arguing that they are being unfairly punished for offences committed by travellers and border officials.

In a strongly worded letter dated 21 November 2025, the Zimbabwe Passengers Transporters Organisation (ZPTO), through their lawyer Admire Rubaya, wrote to the ZIMRA Commissioner General protesting the impounding of buses and the imposition of a US$5,000 penalty whenever a passenger is found with undeclared goods. The letter was copied to the Police Commissioner General, the Ministry of Finance and the President's Office.

According to the operators, buses already cleared at official border posts are being intercepted at newly created "inland borders" where law enforcement agents - including ZACC, ZRP, CID and ZIMRA - allegedly re-search buses and punish operators for goods that should have been detected earlier.

The operators argue that these checkpoints - often set up only kilometres from official border posts - duplicate border processes, undermine efficiency, and have become breeding grounds for corruption.

Rubaya wrote:

"You have created inland border posts along major roads. What boggles the mind is why you are installing unofficial inland border posts to do exactly what ZIMRA officials at the official port of entry would have already done."

He said such duplication reflects a breakdown in operational trust:

"This creates a perplexing allegory of a gatekeeper who, after meticulously checking a passport at the gate, is followed by another who demands to see it again a mile down the road."

Operators say bus crews and passengers are being harassed at these spots, with some officers allegedly soliciting bribes.

ZPTO argues that bus operators cannot be held liable for goods that border officials would have inspected and cleared.

"The buses only reload passengers and cargo after ZIMRA officials are satisfied that all goods have been declared. Transporters do not control border clearance and are not at the border when these processes occur."

Despite this, buses are being impounded while the passengers with smuggled goods - and the border officers who cleared them - face no consequences.

Rubaya described this as a coordinated "revenue-generating scheme":

"Passengers found with improperly cleared goods are released without charge, but operators must pay US$5 000 to have their buses released."

He added that the penalty cannot be justified:

"There is no obligation at law for bus operators to ensure every passenger has properly cleared goods before the bus leaves the border."

Rubaya also accused authorities of selective application of the law:

"No aircraft has ever been impounded because a passenger was found carrying drugs or improperly cleared goods. Why are bus operators being treated differently?"

Call for reform and respect for ‘ease of doing business' goals

Operators emphasised that they support anti-smuggling efforts but said current enforcement methods are destroying the transport industry and fuelling corruption.

They urged ZIMRA and law enforcement agencies to adopt a rational approach aligned with national economic goals:

"We know your aims are for stability and security, but there must be a better way - one that aligns with our shared aspiration of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030."

The ZPTO insists that if crews are complicit in smuggling, they - not bus owners - should be prosecuted.

The organisation has requested an urgent meeting with authorities to resolve what it describes as destructive, unlawful and economically damaging practices.