Tombstones intercepted in US$9m border raids

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) says its technology-driven anti-smuggling campaign has generated more than US$9 million in revenue collections while intercepting a wide range of contraband goods, including vehicles, medical supplies, household goods and tombstones.

The figures, contained in Zimra's 2025 annual report, highlight the growing role of surveillance technology in combating illicit trade and protecting government revenue.

"The intercepted consignments included vehicles, medical supplies, household goods, tombstones ... These achievements demonstrate the growing impact of technology-driven enforcement," Zimra said.

The seizures underscore the evolving nature of smuggling activities in Zimbabwe, where authorities continue to battle sophisticated attempts to evade customs duties and taxes.

The inclusion of tombstones among seized goods reflects changing consumer demand and the growing market for imported funeral products and memorial materials, which authorities say are increasingly finding their way into the country through unofficial channels.

According to Zimra, the anti-smuggling initiative, which was launched in 2024, recorded substantial gains during 2025.

"The project has continued to deliver tangible results with respect to safeguarding revenue and protecting legitimate trade," the authority said.

During the reporting period, officials recorded 299 notices of seizure and receipts for detained goods.

Since the project's inception, cumulative collections have reached ZiG202.96 million, equivalent to approximately US$7.8 million at the official exchange rate prevailing on December 31, 2025, in addition to US$1.19 million collected directly in foreign currency.

The authority also reported that the duty value of goods detained or seized amounted to ZiG97.11 million and US$2.25 million.

"Since its launch in 2024, cumulative collections have reached ZiG202.96 million and US$1.19 million, and the total duty of goods under detention/seizure amounted to ZiG97.11 million and US$2.25 million, underscoring its growing impact in curbing illicit trade, disrupting smuggling networks, strengthening compliance and protecting legitimate businesses," the report said.

The developments come amid longstanding concerns from retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers who argue that smuggled goods undermine compliant businesses by avoiding customs duties, value-added tax and other regulatory costs.

Business organisations have repeatedly warned that illicit imports create unfair competition, enabling smugglers to sell products at lower prices than formally registered businesses.

A key component of the anti-smuggling strategy has been the expansion of drone-assisted border surveillance.

Initially deployed at Beitbridge, Plumtree and Forbes border posts, the programme was expanded during 2025 to include Chirundu and Nyamapanda border crossings.

Zimra also reported that its surveillance and monitoring command centre became fully operational during the year.

"A total of 368 drone-assisted interceptions were recorded, representing a 44% increase from interceptions in 2024, reflecting the programme's expanded footprint and improved operational effectiveness," the report noted.

Zimbabwe has for years struggled with widespread smuggling along key trade corridors linking the country to South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia.

Authorities estimate that illicit trade costs the fiscus millions of dollars annually through unpaid customs duties, VAT and other taxes while weakening the competitiveness of legitimate businesses.

Zimra said the anti-smuggling campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen border security, improve tax compliance and enhance domestic revenue collection amid ongoing economic challenges.

The authority believes the growing use of drones, surveillance systems and intelligence-led enforcement is improving its ability to detect illicit activity and respond more effectively to smuggling networks.

"These achievements demonstrate the growing impact of technology-driven enforcement in securing revenue, strengthening border security, and promoting compliance," Zimra said.