Outrage as ZIMRA Announces Door-to-Door Inspections for Smuggled Goods This Xmas
Zimbabweans are fuming after reports emerged that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) will conduct door-to-door inspections during the Christmas holiday to confiscate smuggled goods. Offenders will face immediate imprisonment, with no option for bail.
The crackdown coincides with the festive season, a peak period for smuggling as many Zimbabweans return home with goods from South Africa and other neighboring countries.
Speaking to The Herald, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, the Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President, said a task force has been deployed to major border posts and key roads to stop the influx of smuggled goods.
“This December, we will have inter-governmental agencies stationed at our major border posts to ensure zero tolerance for smugglers. The task force will conduct door-to-door inspections of all goods in wholesale and retail shops,” he said.
The operation targets wholesalers, supermarkets, and tech shops, focusing on items such as food, clothing, beverages, drugs, solar panels, fertilisers, cement, vehicles, and electrical gadgets.
Muguti stressed that the Government’s goal is to protect local industries from cheap, counterfeit goods that often pose health risks.
“I want to issue a stern warning to Diasporans returning for the holidays. We often see rising prices and increased black market trading as they come back. Many choose not to declare their groceries and attempt to smuggle in illicit alcohol and other items, be aware that there will be no fines for violations at roadblocks; rather, those caught will be arrested on the spot. You risk spending Christmas behind bars if you engage in these activities,” he said.
The announcement sparked intense debate on X (formerly Twitter). While a few supported the initiative, many ridiculed ZIMRA’s approach, questioning its practicality and legality. Here are some of the reactions:
@DirectorTindo:
This is a good policy that for long has been neglected. We can’t expect to industrialize and have health tax collection systems when citizens are in a habit of smuggling goods. Enforcement should be tough to protect local industry. Those in SA should send money. Unilever closed
@DangaDarr:
Don’t they require a search warrant for this?
@francis_chiwara:
Imagine the number of fraudsters who will claim to be government officials, Zim situation is Hopeless 
@Kingkunta421:
But the culture of smuggling & evading duty & taxes needs to be ended but govt SHLD fight corruption in public institutions 1st so that the tax payer doesn’t feel like they are supplying the ZPF feeding trough.
@nikky_dube:
Now need to explain where I got my yogurt, basmati and cheese slices from…. wot a joke
@realyassinali:
This shows how bad Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is, pushing the government to take harsh steps to raise money. It highlights people’s frustration, the government’s desperation, and the lack of a strong opposition to push back against these measures.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Outrage as ZIMRA Announces Door-to-Door Inspections for Smuggled Goods This Xmas appeared first on iHarare News.
