By Takudziridzwa Nyama
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has successfully recovered a large amount of smuggled goods at an illegal crossing point called Monarch in Penhalonga in Mutare. The haul included 211 bales of second-hand clothes, 27 bags of groundnuts weighing 50 kg each, and 60 brand new shovels.
IIn a press statement, the ZRP indicated that they acted on a tip-off regarding trucks carrying second-hand clothes that had crossed into Zimbabwe illegally. They set up an ambush in the Penhalonga area and managed to stop two trucks: a Nissan UD and a Scania.
The drivers of these trucks tried to escape, and the police had to deflate the tyres of both vehicles. The drivers abandoned the trucks and fled, leaving the smuggled goods behind.
Investigations showed that the Scania truck, with registration number AFJ 2423, belongs to Back Pack Safari in Gweru, while the Nissan UD truck, registration number ABH 7305, is registered to J. Mapuvire Private Limited in Chivi. A cellphone found in the Nissan UD truck is believed to belong to the driver, Fredrick Cedrick Chemusarera.
The ZRP has stated that they are committed to fighting smuggling at all points of entry and exit in the country warning that those involved in illegal smuggling will face serious consequences.
“We will not back down in the fight against smuggling activities,” the statement reads
The police are also asking the public for any information that could help them arrest Edmore Gopo, a suspect from Mutare who is connected to these smuggling activities.
As the police continue their work to stop smuggling, they encourage citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to help protect the country’s borders and report any suspicious activities to help protect the country’s borders.