By Fortunate Gunde
KARIBA – IN a significant crackdown, police in Kariba have dismantled a sophisticated smuggling syndicate that not only trafficked goods but also posed a very grave threat to vulnerable individuals, particularly women.
The operations were confirmed last week by the Police Officer Commanding Kariba District, Superintendent Denford Chirimuko.
Authorities have been actively intercepting smugglers at the Kariba-Siyavonga border post, a known route for illicit activities.
“Among the perpetrators are buses and haulage trucks,” Chirumuko said. “We are, however, equally concerned about human trafficking involving mostly female victims, who use the border as a transit route to Zambia and other Southern African Development Community countries.”
Although police were not able to provide statistics immediately, they say the situation in Kariba has reached “alarming levels” with popular goods among the contraband being as pharmaceuticals, skin lightening creams and veterinary drugs being smuggled.
Chirimuko emphasised the importance of the police vigilance, warning residents against aiding those involved in these illicit operations. “Such actions undermine peace, law, order, and economic growth,” he said.
Right now the smuggling is further compounded by low levels of water in the Zambezi River. The smugglers use canoes to transport their wares from Zambia to Kariba, particularly during the night.
Human trafficking has also escalated, added Chirimuko. “Human trafficking has no season and we are expecting a rise in these cases as we approach the festive season. So anytime, people are smuggled as long as the conditions on their trafficking routes are conducive,” Superintendent Chirimuko said.
In September 2021 an overloaded boat sank at Msampakaruma Island in Lake Kariba. The incident led to the discovery of a contraband of smuggled bales of clothes believed to have been smuggled from neighbouring Zambia, although some claim the origin of the contraband to be as far as Dubai.
The rise in smuggling activities in Kariba, a popular tourist destination, has been attributed to worsening economic conditions, pushing individuals to engage in illegal trade for financial relief. As the police continue their efforts to combat these crimes, the local community is urged to remain alert and report suspicious activities in order to clamp down on smuggling.
The crackdown on smugglers and traffickers comes at a critical time, as authorities seek to restore order and protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of smuggling and human trafficking. With the police’s commitment to tackling these issues, residents hope for a safer environment in Kariba in particular and the country in general.
New Ziana
