By Virginia Njovo
The City of Masvingo’s Department of Health and Environmental Services, in collaboration with the anti-smuggling unit on Friday intercepted a consignment of smuggled chicken meat, about 1.6 tonnes en route from South Africa to Harare.
The consignment which was destined for Harare was caught at the 30km peg from Masvingo near Mushagashe Training Center along Masvingo-Harare Road.
Speaking with TellZim News Masvingo City Council Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika said the meat had no veterinary clearances and documentation and was therefore deemed unsafe for human consumption.
“The meat had no proper veterinary clearance and documentation, was deemed unsafe for human consumption and posed a serious public health risk.
“The importation of meat is illegal so we confiscate to safeguard the community from GMOs and also protect our local market because smuggled goods are usually stolen and do not pay duty so they become cheap,” said Jinjika.
She said the local authority was urging residents and vendors to be cautious when sourcing meat and said the council will remain vigilante.
“Council urges residents and vendors to only source meat from licensed and inspected suppliers to ensure community safety and prevent the spread of diseases and we remain committed to protecting public health through strict enforcement of food safety standards,” said Jinjika.
In line with Public Health Act, the meat was confiscated and safely destroyed at Cambria Landfill under the supervision of Council health inspectors and veterinary team.
Chicken chunks coming from South Africa are dominating local restaurants, backyard food outlets and fast-food chains which is a threat to public health.
In April 2025, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) intercepted a truck laden with four tonnes of chicken cuts believed to have been smuggled from South Africa through Beitbridge Border Post and seven people were arrested in Mashonaland East near Mahusekwa Province.
