Police in the Midlands have arrested a truck driver and seized nearly 10 tonnes of suspected smuggled meat products following a roadblock operation along the Mvuma Road, authorities said.
The ZRP Midlands spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the arrest was made early on April 27 at around 6:30 a.m., when officers stopped a Nissan UD truck during routine traffic checks.
The vehicle was being driven by Aison Muzanenhamo, 28, of Beitbridge, and had two additional occupants on board at the time, according to police. A subsequent search of the truck uncovered large quantities of meat products believed to have been smuggled into the country.
Police said the consignment included approximately 3,226 kilograms of polony, 4,840 kilograms of chicken meat and 1,614 kilograms of Russian sausages.
Officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and health inspectors were called to the scene to verify the cargo, which authorities said did not comply with import regulations.
Muzanenhamo was issued a $5,000 fine, and the vehicle has been impounded at ZIMRA offices in Gweru pending payment. Police did not immediately indicate whether additional charges would be pursued.
In a statement, authorities warned members of the public against engaging in smuggling, saying law enforcement agencies would intensify operations targeting illegal cross-border trade and related offenses.
The seizure comes amid ongoing efforts by Zimbabwean authorities to tighten enforcement along major transport corridors, where smuggling of food products and other goods has been a persistent challenge.
