By A Correspondent- The Government is beefing up security along its border with South Africa to curb intrusive leakages and other rent-seeking activities which could be costing the country over US$1 billion annually in unpaid customs duty.
Organised evasion of duty is also compromising State development projects and the viability of businesses that abide by all customs requirements.
State Security Minister, Owen Ncube said yesterday that the Government had noted with concern the level of smuggling between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The Minister visited Beitbridge Border Post yesterday with senior members of the Sub-National JOC (Joint Operations Command) to assess the state of security and the level of crime along the borderline.
Among those who accompanied him are Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Air Marshal Elson Moyo (Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander), State Security Director General Ambassador Isaac Moyo and other senior security officials.
The team also visited the River Ranch illegal crossing point which is 30km east of the main port of entry.
This is a common area used by smugglers due to its close proximity to both the Beitbridge to Bulawayo and Beitbridge to Harare highways.
According to Minister Ncube, the common goods that are being smuggled into the country include building material, explosives, flea market wares, illicit medicines, groceries, fuel, and electrical gadgets, among others.
“This can’t go on forever. We are here today with all heads of security in the country,” said the Minister.
“We have seen and noted where the leakages are coming from and we are going to be addressing the issues with immediate effect. We want to seal all the porous routes/areas between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“The country is losing a lot of revenue in customs duty to well organised syndicates and let those involved in such vices know that the honeymoon will soon be over”.
The Minister said they had also taken note of recommendations by various arms of the Government which have visited the border line before.