In a case that highlights the ongoing battle against smuggling, George Mutingondo, a 37-year-old Harare resident, was convicted by the Karoi Magistrates’ Court for violating the Customs and Excise Act. Mutingondo was found guilty of smuggling grocery items valued at nearly USD 20,000.
The elaborate scheme began on April 30, 2024, when Mutingondo, driving a truck laden with groceries, deceived officials at the Plumtree Border Post by claiming he was en route to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post. On May 11, 2024, he continued to Zambia, completing all necessary customs procedures. However, the very next day, Mutingondo returned to Zimbabwe with the truck still loaded with the original goods. He falsely declared that the truck was carrying 34 tonnes of duty-free biscuits.
Mutingondo’s plan unraveled when Karoi police, acting on a tip-off, apprehended him. The truck was escorted back to the Chirundu Border Post, where a thorough inspection by ZIMRA officials revealed the true contents. The seized items included:
- 2015 cases of 12 x 400ml Nivea body cream
- 499 boxes of 12 x 750g Ellis Brown creamer
- 499 boxes of 16 x 48 pieces of Stumbo
- 499 boxes of 12 x 1-litre fruit juice
- 300 boxes of 2kg Maq washing powder
- 300 boxes of 20 x 750g Cremora
In addition to the goods, the truck, comprising a horse and two trailers, was also seized.
Appearing in court, Mutingondo pleaded guilty to the charges. In a sentence aimed at both punishment and community restitution, he was ordered to perform 280 hours of community service.
