Police intercept 30 tonnes of smuggled second hand clothes

Lloyd Ndemo

Police in Zimbabwe have intercepted three 10 tonne trucks loaded with second hand clothes suspected to have been smuggled from Mozambique through Forbes border post.

The trucks were intercepted in Marondera, a town 72 km east of Harare.

The drivers of the three trucks, Chengerai Honzo, Nomatter Mutsanza and Godfrey Matimati all from Mutare, were arrested and are expected to appear in court charged with contravening the customs and excise act.

Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the arrests to ZTN.

“Police Marondera Central (Operations) received a tip off that there was a grey Toyota Hilux which was escorting three 7 tonne trucks from Mutare towards Harare. The trucks were spotted by the team which was at Murewa turn off who then alerted the team which was at Dombotombo turnoff. Upon arrival at the check point, the leading truck of the convoy was signalled to stop but failed to comply and shots were fired to deflate the tyres and the truck stopped. All the truck drivers were arrested and are currently assisting police with investigations.”

Inspector Mwanza also warned members of the public to desist from breaking the law, saying such acts will be dealt with accordingly.

“We would like to warn such criminals who are behind the smuggling rackets that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. Anyone found with smuggled goods will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”