-as police bust smuggling syndicate
Roseline Mutare
In a blow to smuggling operations, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) intercepted and impounded two trucks, including one owned by J. Mapuvire Pvt Ltd of Chivi, carrying smuggled goods worth thousands of dollars.
The recovery was made at an illegal crossing point in Penhalonga, Mutare, on October 12, 2024.
The ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyati issued a statement on their X handle confirming that the smuggled goods included 211 bales of second-hand clothes, 27x 50kg bags of groundnuts, and 60 brand-new shovels. The police acted on a tip-off, laying an ambush that led to the interception of the trucks, a Nissan UD and a Scania.
However, Police said, the drivers attempted to evade arrest, prompting the police to deflate the tires of both trucks. The drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled the scene, leaving behind the smuggled goods.
Investigations revealed that the Scania truck, registration number ABH 7305, belonged to J. Mapuvire Private Limited in Chivi, while a recovered cellphone is suspected to belong to Fredrick Cedrick Chemusarera, the driver of the Nissan UD truck.
The ZRP has reiterated its commitment to combating smuggling activities, warning that criminal syndicates using illegal entry points will face decisive action according to the country’s laws.
Meanwhile, the police are seeking information leading to the arrest of Edmore Gopo, a Mutare-based suspect linked to the smuggling activities.
