mbulelo smpofu
SMUGGLING of goods into and out of our country is an immense challenge that authorities have been grappling with for a long time.
It is a serious criminal offence, which prejudices the economy of millions in potential tax revenue. In the case of smuggling out of the country, the crime prejudices the economy of foreign currency as well since someone who illegally sells goods and services abroad will naturally not declare their earnings to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).
The crime can have health implications as well, for without Government oversight, traders can bring expired and substandard products into the country. Informal outlets selling mainly foreign foodstuffs have been exposed as among the biggest actors in the racket.
This is an old, pervasive problem, which we had normalised in the country.
As promised in the proposed 2025 national budget, presented early this month, the Government has launched a crackdown against smuggling and sale of smuggled goods in the country.
Zimra has been stricter at the borders, its officials demanding documentation that items being brought into the country were legitimately secured and asking the importers to pay duty.
The revenue authority, together with its partners, which include police, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Consumer Protection Commission officials and others are mounting roadblocks to verify if goods being moved around were legally imported with all relevant taxes paid.
As we reported yesterday, the clampdown has seen the law enforcement partnership door-stepping some outlets in towns and cities across the country. Some have been closed after being caught on the wrong side of the law.
This campaign is welcome and must be intensified and be made permanent if the economy is to defeat this malaise that is enriching criminals while adversely affecting local producers of the goods and services in question and prejudicing the economy.
But the clampdown must be strongest at border posts and across the country’s border with South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique, which are known to be the biggest sources of the contraband that is on the local market. The police, army, Zimra and their partners must tighten security at the border posts and the borders to prevent smuggling.
If security at the borders is as foolproof as it should be, there is no way any outlet in Bulawayo, Harare, Masvingo, Gweru and other markets would sell smuggled items simply because no one has the chance to smuggle them.
Any business or individual that attempts to continue flouting the law must be severely punished.
