Truck driver nabbed for smuggling

A 53-year-old truck driver, Douglas Tengende, has been arrested for attempting to smuggle goods worth R427,823 through the Beitbridge Border Post without his employer's knowledge.

Tengende, employed by Armesham Freight (Private) Limited, was remanded in custody after arriving at his company's premises in Gweru without the truck, which had been confiscated by border officials for carrying illegal goods.

Prosecutor Christine Shonhiwa told the court that Tengende had been sent to Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 28, 2024, to collect a consignment of tiles that was supposed to be delivered to Harare. After collecting the tiles, Tengende allegedly loaded another shipment of goods, valued at R427,823, which he intended to smuggle back into Zimbabwe.

On November 2, 2024, when Tengende attempted to cross the Beitbridge Border Post, customs officials, during a routine inspection by the scan department, discovered that the goods in the truck were not part of the original consignment. This led to the immediate seizure of the truck.

Tengende reported the confiscation of the truck to his employer, but further investigations revealed his involvement in the illegal shipment, leading to his arrest. His employer subsequently cooperated with authorities, ensuring that the matter was brought to light.

Tengende is expected to appear in court tomorrow for his initial remand hearing. His arrest has raised concerns over illegal trade and the growing challenges faced by border security in preventing smuggling activities at Zimbabwe's main entry point from South Africa.