Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Sikhulekelani Moyo, mskhulekelani16@gmail.com
KIDSMART, a popular retail outlet in Bulawayo, has been closed since Monday afternoon amid allegations of failing to comply with Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) regulations on tax and duty payments for imported goods.
Social media reports suggest the store was operating without a Zimra Tax Clearance Certificate, with claims that its goods were smuggled into the country and the business was running without a valid licence.
Efforts to get a comment from KidsMart owners were unsuccessful as calls to their phones went unanswered.
This closure comes as part of a nationwide crackdown on smuggling and illegal business practices, spearheaded by the Government to protect local industries and consumer welfare.
The multi-agency operation, which began two weeks ago, targets entertainment spots, liquor vendors and businesses trading in contraband, counterfeit products, or engaging in unethical practices. Vehicles transporting smuggled goods are being impounded and illicit products, including foodstuffs and alcohol are being confiscated.
In Bulawayo, intensified inspections have led to the temporary closure of several businesses. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is leading the operation, working with Zimra, the police, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and the Consumer Protection Commission.
Officials emphasised that smuggling disrupts local value chains, undermines industries and poses health and safety risks.
Zimra has issued a statement reinforcing the importance of compliance, stating that all goods must be declared at entry ports.
“Failure to declare goods can lead to significant legal and financial consequences,” the statement read.
Penalties for non-declaration include fines, seizure of goods and,in severe cases, imprisonment. Travellers and businesses are urged to keep customs declaration documentation for inspections, which may occur during post-clearance audits or roadblocks.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has highlighted the seriousness of smuggling.
“Non-declaration of goods purchased abroad such as personal belongings and goods intended for commercial purposes constitutes an offence,” said Professor Ncube during a discussion on the 2025 National Budget.
He noted that smuggling hampers local production, disrupts value chains and creates unfair competition for local producers. It also undermines Government revenue collection and poses significant health and safety risks.
Prof Ncube said 24-hour roadblocks have been set up along major highways, with multi-agency teams inspecting vehicles suspected of transporting smuggled goods.
Retail outlets are also subject to impromptu inspections, requiring shop owners to provide proof of the legality of their stock.
In his 2025 National Budget Statement, Prof Ncube listed items often smuggled into the country, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, clothing, processed meat, rice, pasta, sugar, electrical appliances and motor spare parts.
He warned that failure to provide documentation for such goods would result in their seizure and penalties for the owners.
