CID busts suspected mineral smuggling syndicate

A clearing agent based at Chirundu Border Post has been arrested and charged with facilitating the theft and attempted smuggling of lead blocks valued at US$100 000.

Kudakwashe Dezi (43), who operates under Bay Shipping, was taken into custody on April 17 following investigations by the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit.

Prosecutors allege that Dezi fraudulently cleared 19 lead blocks by entering false export documentation into the system of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), claiming the consignment was in transit from Zambia to South Africa.

However, investigations revealed that the consignment was in fact located in Goromonzi after being transported from Norton, where the owner had allegedly instructed that the goods be taken to Mozambique.

It is further alleged that Dezi's accomplice, Isaac Freddy, used a ZIMRA commercial invoice and release order to instruct driver Fanuel Gwamure to transport the consignment to South Africa via Plumtree Border Post.

Authorities say the complainant suffered a prejudice of US$100 000 as a result of the alleged scheme.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with authorities expected to pursue further charges against those involved in the attempted cross-border smuggling operation.