CONFUSION is mounting over a sweeping crackdown on undeclared goods at the Beitbridge Border Post after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) denied involvement in the operation, raising questions about who is leading the high-impact enforcement exercise.
The operation, which has left scores of buses stranded and disrupted cross-border travel and trade, has largely been associated with heightened inspection by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), targeting undeclared goods suspected to be commercial cargo.
In response to inquiries, Zacc said it was not part of the ongoing exercise, contradicting earlier indications by sources on the ground who linked the anti-graft body to the crackdown.
“Zacc is not involved in the said operation,” Zacc spokesperson Simiso Mlevu said.
The denial by Zacc has deepened uncertainty over the coordination and command structure of the ongoing enforcement blitz at Beitbridge, as multiple agencies appear to be involved in intensified inspections that have significantly disrupted passenger movement and trade flow at one of the country’s busiest border posts.
Transport operators and drivers say the operation has significantly slowed movement at the border, with some buses taking days to be cleared as authorities scrutinise cargo such as furniture and other bulk items suspected to be commercial goods.
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Border authorities launched the blitz at the Beitbridge Border Post last week, intensifying inspection on undeclared goods and disrupting travel and business operations.
According to reports, Zimra officials are conducting a thorough search to ensure items such as chairs and desks suspected to be commercial cargo are properly declared.