THE ruling Zanu PF party has dispatched its economic development cluster to Beitbridge Border Post to investigate activities of the government’s anti-smuggling teams after its supporters threatened to vote against the party in the next elections in protest.
The cluster, led by Retired Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje and Elifasi Mashaba, who is the party secretary for business development, met Beitbridge stakeholders, including Crossborders for ED, who recently raised concern over the ongoing anti-smuggling operation.
Traders and ordinary citizens are having their goods seized at the border on allegations of smuggling.
“We came to establish for ourselves following concerns raised by some of our citizens about the hardships they are facing at the border. We have gathered information (which) we will pass on to the leadership of the party,” said Rugeje, who is the Zanu PF secretary for economic development.
“We know people must pay duty, but it must be done properly. People have raised some issues, but we are also aware of the mandate given to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) at our last conference in Bulawayo.”
Government recently dispatched anti-smuggling teams across the country.
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Some stakeholders complained about the blanket approach adopted by the teams, which at times seize imported goods even when their paperwork is in place.
Customs warehouses countrywide are reportedly filled with goods, some not smuggled but seized in the anti-smuggling blitz.
Some Beitbridge residents recently looted seized goods from a Zimra truck as it left Dulivhadzimu bus terminus.
Following the blitz on travellers, some people have vowed to deal with Zanu PF in the next elections.
Beitbridge chairperson for Crossborders for ED, Blessing Mureyani, said high toll fees and duty had disrupted businesses for most of its members and the border town residents in general.
“We are appealing for duty and toll fees to be reduced,” Mureyani said.