Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has said it had recorded 150 corruption cases at the Beitbridge border post in the last four years, mainly collusion between customs clearing agents and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials in the form of smuggling and under-invoicing goods for personal gain.
Of all the cases received, 65 individuals were arrested while some are already serving jail term.
ZACC chairperson Michael Reza revealed the statistics at 19th Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) conference held in Bulawayo.
“A total of 150 cases were reported at Beitbridge border post alone where these syndicates have operated with impunity, we are actively pursuing those cases,” he said.
Reza warned syndicates facilitating the smuggling of goods into the country that their days are numbered, saying government will show no mercy to those treating border posts as hubs for illicit enrichment.
“We have documented cases where corrupt officers conspired with clearing agents to undervalue goods, misclassify imports, and expedite illegal clearances for bribes,” he said.
Reza acknowledged customs agents’ critical role in driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth and realisation of the country`s development aspirations, but expressed deep concern over rampant corruption within the sector.
“There will be no mercy for those who treat our borders as a playground for illicit enrichment. Please take a firm stand against corruption. Adopt integrity pledges.
“I am told that SFAAZ members handle over 95 percent of the country`s commercial imports and exports. This means that you play a crucial role in the revenue collection, and therefore, it is important for your membership to uphold integrity.
“It is a point of bother that there is rampant and systemic corruption within your sector. SFAAZ members have, or let me say, some SFAAZ members have become conduits for smuggling, under-invoicing,” said Reza.
He said lawlessness stifles socio economic progress and will not be tolerated.
“Recent investigations have exposed shocking cases, where members of your association facilitated fraud. We have in the past arrested clearing agents and importers for smuggling thousands of tissues and suitcases disguised as agricultural equipment.
New Ziana
