Hundreds of travelers, mostly cross-border traders and shoppers, were left stranded in Beitbridge this week after bus operators withdrew their services due to a crackdown on goods smuggled into the country.
According to reports, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has been seizing buses and imposing hefty fines of up to US$60,000 on operators found carrying contraband.
The crackdown comes after Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube declared war on smuggling in the 2025 national budget presentation.
ZIMRA has been authorised to seize products without documentary evidence of customs duty payment, and officials have been raiding tuckshops and outlets suspected of selling smuggled goods.
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has condemned the practice of ZIMRA officials chasing buses, calling it “unsafe and unacceptable.”
PAZ has advised cross-border traders to pay their duties and recognises the need to educate them on their obligations and responsibilities.
PAZ has further recommended that ZIMRA officials use safer and more effective methods, such as regular inspections at designated checkpoints, collaborating with bus operators, and implementing technology-based solutions.
“PAZ strongly condemns the practice of ZIMRA officials chasing buses to enforce customs duty payments. This approach is not only unsafe but also unacceptable,” PAZ leader Tafadzwa Goliati told Nehanda Radio.
“We advise our members who are cross-border traders to pay their duty to ZIMRA, as it is their civic and biblical duty to do so. As the Bible says, ‘Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar’ (Matthew 22:21). In this case, we say, “Give to ZIMRA what belongs to ZIMRA.
“Furthermore, PAZ recognizes the need to educate cross-border traders who are also passengers on their obligations and responsibilities when it comes to customs duty payments.
“We will work to provide information and resources to help these individuals understand what is expected of them and how to comply with customs regulations.”
Goliati added: “PAZ recommends that ZIMRA officials use more effective and safer methods to enforce customs duty payments, such as conducting regular inspections at designated checkpoints, collaborating with bus operators, and implementing technology-based solutions.
“We urge ZIMRA officials to adopt more humane and effective methods of enforcing customs regulations, and we will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of passengers and bus operators.”
In its 2024 Annual State of Industry and Commerce Survey Report, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce has also emphasised the need to enhance border management to curb smuggling and illicit cross-border trade.
The organisation has recommended the government to invest in technological solutions, increasing resources for customs enforcement, and enhancing collaboration with neighbouring countries.
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