Over 70 smuggled vehicles seized in major clampdown

THE National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) says it seized more than 70 vehicles last month as part of a nationwide crackdown on smuggled cars entering the country without proper declaration.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), targeted vehicles allegedly evading import duties through illegal entry points and fraudulent import schemes.

Officials said the smuggling syndicates have prejudiced the Government of significant revenue, with porous borders and corruption contributing to the persistence of the problem.

NPAZ Deputy Prosecutor-General Chris Mutangadura said some of the vehicles were brought into Zimbabwe through abuse of the Temporary Import Permit (TIP) system.

"Last month the police surrendered to us 70 motor vehicles that were improperly brought into Zimbabwe without being declared. Some were brought on TIP by people who are known as South Africans but at the end of the day they were found on our roads," Mutangadura said.

Authorities have previously raised concern over the growing influx of luxury vehicles entering Zimbabwe irregularly from South Africa, with some vehicles allegedly being processed through neighbouring countries before finding their way onto the local market.

The seizures form part of a broader asset forfeiture and anti-corruption campaign being pursued by the NPAZ against property and wealth suspected to have been acquired unlawfully.

Mutangadura said the authority recovered approximately US$51 million worth of illicit assets in 2025, exceeding its annual target.

"In 2025 we got about US$51 million. Our target is supposed to be US$45 million," he said.

He added that some forfeiture proceedings target assets directly linked to criminal activity even where no individual is specifically named in court proceedings.

"There are instances where we forfeit something not because it is forfeited from other individuals, like properties which are instruments of offences," he said.

"We forfeit without mentioning the name of a defendant."

Authorities say the latest operation is part of ongoing efforts to tighten border controls, curb smuggling and improve revenue collection amid growing concern over organised illicit trade networks operating across the region.