Find Lasting Solution To Economic Crisis, Government Told
24 January 2025
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By A Correspondent

In a controversial move, the Zimbabwean government has ramped up its efforts to target sellers of second-hand clothes and goods imported from neighboring countries, as part of its broader economic strategy.

Seven individuals suspected of smuggling second-hand clothes have been arrested, and a significant amount of goods were seized during a police roadblock in Gweru. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has declared a zero-tolerance policy toward smuggling, with heightened scrutiny on goods entering the country through unofficial channels.

The crackdown, led by ZRP’s Gweru urban district, has uncovered a network of smugglers who have been disguising second-hand clothes in unmarked boxes and bags to avoid detection by authorities. These goods, mainly clothing, were being smuggled into Zimbabwe from neighboring Mozambique, with the intended destination being Bulawayo.

“We are leaving no room for such illegal activities to thrive,” said Chief Superintendent Dr. Leon Marongedza, the ZRP Officer Commanding for Gweru Urban District. “Smuggling not only damages the economy but also robs the country of revenue that could have been collected through legal channels. We are committed to prosecuting all those involved and ensuring they face the full force of the law.”

The Zimbabwean government had initially banned the importation of second-hand clothes in 2015, aiming to safeguard the local textile industry and encourage domestic manufacturing. However, in 2017, the ban was relaxed, allowing for limited imports under strict regulations, including the requirement of import licenses and proof of duty payment.

Despite this relaxation, the government has struggled to regulate the flow of second-hand goods, which continue to flood local markets, often bypassing customs and duties. Economists argue that while the government’s enforcement measures may have some short-term benefits, the persistent practice of catch-and-release tactics will not address the underlying structural issues plaguing the local economy.

Experts warn that the smuggling problem cannot be solved solely by arresting small-time offenders, as the root cause lies in the lack of viable economic alternatives for local businesses and the difficulty of sustaining a competitive manufacturing sector amidst rising costs.

“As long as the local industry remains uncompetitive, people will continue to rely on second-hand goods as an affordable option,” said one economist. “The government’s approach of cracking down on sellers without addressing these deeper economic issues is unlikely to lead to long-term solutions.”