By Amos Nyanzero
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the arrest of 40-year-old Evans Singo from Tongwe Village, Chief Sithaudzi, Beitbridge for smuggling 34 tonnes of rice from South Africa.
“I confirm the arrest of Evans Singo, a Scania Truck Driver for smuggling 34 tonnes of white rice from South Africa. Members of the public are encouraged to adhere to the laws that govern the importation of goods in the country. In the same vein, Police in Masvingo is on high alert to curb cross boarder crimes,” said Dhewa.
Dhewa told TellZim News that on February 7, 2025 Singo was driving a Scania Truck loaded with 34 tonnes of white rice from South Africa. At around 1000hours at the 146km peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge road, Police Officers who were on a motorised patrol blitz intercepted Singo and asked for declaration forms which he failed to produce leading to his arrest.
In a separate incident, on February 8, 2025, the police arrested a Mandipi bus driver for smuggling groceries and other goods after intercepting the bus that was travelling from South Africa to Chiredzi without declaration forms.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the arrest of Sanangurai Nango (49) to TellZim News, and said the police suspected the bus, coming from South Africa going to Chiredzi had smuggled goods.
They intercepted the bus at 107 km peg at around 2100 hours along Masvingo- Beitbridge road and discovered that the bus was carrying smuggled groceries from South Africa.
The groceries included Dragon energy drinks, Mayo yoghurts, chicken cuts, engine oil, Sasko flour and other food items and the driver was requested for custom declaration forms, but he was unable to produce them leading to his arrest.
