ZIMRA TEAM UNCOVER A GOBLIN (CHIDHOMA) HIDDEN AMONG SMUGGLED GOODS FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO ZIMBABWE
Recently, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has been actively involved in combating smuggling across the country’s borders, particularly from South Africa. One of the most unusual seizures was a “goblin” or “chidhoma,” which was discovered hidden among smuggled goods coming from South Africa into Zimbabwe.
This peculiar find highlights the creative methods smugglers use to evade detection, often hiding illicit items among legal goods. The confiscation of such unusual items underscores the vigilance and thoroughness of ZIMRA’s inspections.
ZIMRA’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to curb smuggling, which has been a significant challenge for Zimbabwe’s economy. Smuggling not only deprives the government of revenue but also poses risks to public safety by introducing unregulated and potentially harmful goods into the market.
In a recent nationwide crackdown, ZIMRA, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, seized smuggled goods worth approximately US$2.4 million. This operation targeted cross-border trade routes, focusing on commercial and passenger vehicles to enforce compliance and combat smuggling.
The operation resulted in the seizure of dozens of vehicles, including buses and haulage trucks, along with illicit goods such as second-hand clothes and unregulated foodstuffs. ZIMRA Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa emphasized that the operation aims to encourage voluntary compliance and promote ethical business practices.
Chinamasa noted, “This operation is designed to curb smuggling, encourage voluntary compliance, and promote ethical business practices. Once compliance improves, these controls will remain part of ongoing risk management strategies.”
The initiative also involves setting up 24-hour roadblocks and conducting surprise raids on retail shops. Businesses unable to provide documentation for the legal importation of goods face heavy fines and confiscation of their stock.
In another significant operation, ZIMRA intercepted a major smuggling ring at the Beitbridge Border post during the 2024 Easter Holiday. The operation resulted in the seizure of 113.7 kilograms of cannabis and 2,682 bottles of Benylin cough syrup, valued at approximately US$140,520. *_-ZimDaily_*
