A “100% search programme” of all cars and buses crossing from South Africa to Zimbabwe has been introduced by the Zimbabwean Revenue Authority Zimra in an effort to curb smuggling. According to the governmentrun Chronicle newspaper, the main target is cross-border traders who are accused of smuggling through South African groceries and electrical goods as large as fridges and stoves without paying duty. The Chronicle says Zimbabwe raises up to US$60m a month from duties charged at Beitbridge. The clamp-down follows a strategic planning meeting by Zimra management at Beitbridge earlier in January. Zimbabwe and South Africa are reported to be losing millions of rand a month in customs revenue due to smuggling through the “porous” border between the two countries.
