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South Africa border authorities intercept R500k Zimbabwe-bound contraband
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South African border authorities thwarted a major smuggling operation on Saturday, intercepting goods valued at approximately R500,000 being transported into Zimbabwe via the swollen Limpopo River on inflatable boats.
Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the suspects fled back into Zimbabwe using eight boats after being cornered by security forces during the operation.
"The South African Police Service (SAPS) Operation Vala Umgodi National Intervention (Roving) Team successfully disrupted a significant smuggling operation along the Limpopo River in the Musina policing area," said Thakeng.
The operation, conducted near Tshirundu village at around 11:20 a.m., followed a tip-off about boats loading goods on the riverbank.
"Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects quickly got into the boats and fled back into Zimbabwe, abandoning most of the goods behind," he added.
The confiscated contraband included alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, baked goods, flour, and a fridge, among other items. The seized goods have been registered at the Musina SAPS for further investigation.
The interception aligns with heightened efforts by Zimbabwean authorities to clamp down on smuggling syndicates operating between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The crackdown, led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), and the Consumer Protection Commission, aims to halt the flow of illicit goods into Zimbabwe's markets.
Security officials report that smugglers frequently avoid border posts, using river flanks and informal crossings to transport goods. Once inside Zimbabwe, the contraband is loaded onto intercity buses or cargo trucks in Beitbridge for distribution across the country.
Authorities have bolstered surveillance with advanced technology, including drone systems and fast cargo scanners.
Since January, these measures have led to increased interceptions of smuggled goods. Efforts have focused on hotspots like Beitbridge, with plans to expand the deployment of drones and scanners to other key entry points, including Forbes and Chirundu.
The enhanced measures reflect the commitment of both South African and Zimbabwean authorities to combat smuggling and secure their borders effectively.
Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the suspects fled back into Zimbabwe using eight boats after being cornered by security forces during the operation.
"The South African Police Service (SAPS) Operation Vala Umgodi National Intervention (Roving) Team successfully disrupted a significant smuggling operation along the Limpopo River in the Musina policing area," said Thakeng.
The operation, conducted near Tshirundu village at around 11:20 a.m., followed a tip-off about boats loading goods on the riverbank.
"Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects quickly got into the boats and fled back into Zimbabwe, abandoning most of the goods behind," he added.
The confiscated contraband included alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, baked goods, flour, and a fridge, among other items. The seized goods have been registered at the Musina SAPS for further investigation.
The crackdown, led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), and the Consumer Protection Commission, aims to halt the flow of illicit goods into Zimbabwe's markets.
Security officials report that smugglers frequently avoid border posts, using river flanks and informal crossings to transport goods. Once inside Zimbabwe, the contraband is loaded onto intercity buses or cargo trucks in Beitbridge for distribution across the country.
Authorities have bolstered surveillance with advanced technology, including drone systems and fast cargo scanners.
Since January, these measures have led to increased interceptions of smuggled goods. Efforts have focused on hotspots like Beitbridge, with plans to expand the deployment of drones and scanners to other key entry points, including Forbes and Chirundu.
The enhanced measures reflect the commitment of both South African and Zimbabwean authorities to combat smuggling and secure their borders effectively.
Source - The Chronicle
