-fined ZwG114k
MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO – Police in Masvingo have arrested a Harare-based bus driver, Aleck Mauta (44), for smuggling a wide range of goods into the country.
Mauta was made to pay duty of ZwG114, 134, 56 to ZIMRA, on June 14 around 3am for the offence.
He was charged for contravening of Section 182(1) of the Customs and Excise Act Chapter 23:02.
According to a statement issued by the ZRP Masvingo Province Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa on June 18, Mauta was intercepted while driving a cross-border bus along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road.
A thorough search of the vehicle conducted by ZIMRA and police officials revealed several undeclared and smuggled items hidden in the bus.
The seized contraband included, 3KV Growatt inverters, rolls of electric cables, 8m aluminum rails, bales of plastic slippers, boxes of welding rods, castrol engine oil, motor vehicle oil filters and intercooler radiators, vehicle spares, gas lighters (size 15), and plastic door handles, yale door locks, clothes, cell phone accessories, boxes of fresh milk, satchel bags, and handbags
Following the discovery, ZIMRA assessed a duty of ZWG 114,134.56 (equivalent to US$998.91), which was paid by the accused.
Inspector Dewa confirmed the arrest and emphasized the police’s continued efforts in tackling smuggling activities along Zimbabwe’s major highways.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will continue to work hard in curbing smuggling,” said Inspector Dewa, calling on the public to report suspicious cross-border activities.
