Zimra seizes 15 tonnes of smuggled meat

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has intercepted a 15-tonne consignment of suspected smuggled meat products in Chiredzi, near the Mutirikwi River area of Triangle - a corridor increasingly flagged as a smuggling route.

The seizure was made during a routine enforcement operation when officials stopped and inspected a truck bearing Zimbabwean registration number AGZ 3488. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found carrying approximately 15 tonnes of meat and assorted food products with an estimated market value of ZWG 945,000.

According to ZIMRA, the cargo was not accompanied by the requisite customs documentation. The consignment comprised 197 packages of 80kg chicken cuts, seven 10kg packages of sausages, and various polony products - raising both legal and public health concerns.

ZIMRA Commissioner for the Customs and Excise Division, Batsirai Chadzingwa, said enforcement operations and physical inspections remain central to the authority's mandate.

"Enforcement operations and physical inspections are critical parts of ZIMRA's mandate designed to safeguard Zimbabweans from harmful foods, substances and illicit drugs to protect public health," said Chadzingwa.

"At this stage, the matter has not been referred for arrest. Investigations are currently ongoing."

Preliminary investigations suggest the goods likely originated from South Africa, as several of the meat products were labelled accordingly.

ZIMRA further noted that the consignment had been transported without refrigeration, heightening the risk of rapid spoilage in high temperatures and intensifying food safety concerns.

"In the end, it's about protecting our community. We urge transporters and importers to adhere to the designated routes and laid-down procedures," Chadzingwa said.

"The consequences of non-compliance are severe, and we will not hesitate to enforce the law. ZIMRA will continue to fulfil its mandate; the message is clear: smuggling won't be tolerated."

Under Zimbabwean law, all imported foodstuffs must be properly declared and any applicable duties settled before entry into the country.