Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Seizes 15 Tonnes of Smuggled Meat Near Chiredzi

By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA)** has intercepted a massive 15-tonne consignment of suspected smuggled meat products in Chiredzi, near the Mutirikwi River area of Triangle — a corridor increasingly flagged as a hotspot for cross-border smuggling.

The seizure was made during a routine enforcement operation after officials stopped a truck bearing Zimbabwean registration number AGZ 3488. Upon inspection, authorities discovered approximately 15 tonnes of meat and assorted food products with an estimated market value of **ZWG 945,000**.

Undeclared and Potentially Unsafe Cargo

According to ZIMRA, the shipment was not accompanied by the required customs documentation. The consignment included:

* 197 packages of 80kg chicken cuts
* Seven 10kg packages of sausages
* Various polony products

Beyond the issue of unpaid duties, the seizure has raised serious public health concerns.

ZIMRA Commissioner for the Customs and Excise Division, **Batsirai Chadzingwa**, emphasized that enforcement operations and physical inspections remain central to the authority’s mandate.

> “Enforcement operations and physical inspections are critical parts of ZIMRA's mandate designed to safeguard Zimbabweans from harmful foods, substances and illicit drugs to protect public health,” said Chadzingwa.

### No Arrests Yet, Investigations Ongoing

At this stage, no arrests have been made. Authorities say investigations are still ongoing.

Preliminary findings suggest the meat products likely originated from **South Africa**, as several items were labelled accordingly.

ZIMRA also revealed that the consignment had been transported **without refrigeration**, significantly increasing the risk of spoilage given the region’s high temperatures. This has intensified concerns over food safety and the potential health risks to consumers.

### Smuggling Corridor Under Watch

The Mutirikwi River area near Triangle has increasingly been identified as a smuggling route, with transporters allegedly bypassing designated entry points to evade customs duties and inspections.

Chadzingwa issued a stern warning:

> “In the end, it's about protecting our community. We urge transporters and importers to adhere to the designated routes and laid-down procedures. The consequences of non-compliance are severe, and we will not hesitate to enforce the law.”

Under Zimbabwean law, all imported foodstuffs must be properly declared and relevant duties paid before entering the country.

With this latest seizure, ZIMRA has sent a clear message: **smuggling will not be tolerated**, particularly where it poses risks to public health and undermines lawful trade.