By Caroline Washaya Moyo
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has intercepted seven pistols and 170 rounds of 9mm blank ammunition concealed aboard a Bulawayo-bound bus at Beitbridge Border Post, in a development highlighting the critical role of border surveillance in combating illicit cross-border activities.
The interception was made in the early hours of Friday, November 6, 2026, at approximately 03:00 hours during a routine canine search at the northbound bus terminal.
The bus, which was travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe, came under scrutiny when a ZIMRA detector dog, Poncho, alerted officers to suspicious parcels concealed beneath the first row of passenger seats, immediately behind the driver’s seat.
A subsequent physical inspection uncovered two parcels wrapped in black plastic and brown adhesive tape.
Upon opening the parcels, officers discovered seven black pistols and 170 rounds of 9mm blank ammunition.
The bus driver reportedly acknowledged receiving the parcels in South Africa for delivery in Bulawayo but claimed he was unaware of their contents. He was subsequently taken into police custody.
The seized firearms and ammunition were valued at R21,400, approximately US$1,250, and confiscated under Notice of Seizure 047464L, dated November 6, 2026.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Gladman Njanji, highlighted the contribution of the Authority’s canine teams to strengthening border security and detecting prohibited or undeclared goods.
“The interception demonstrates the important role of our K9 dogs in combatting smuggling of dangerous goods and other forms of illicit cross-border movement,” Njanji said.
The latest interception highlights the importance of sustained vigilance at border posts, particularly Beitbridge, which serves as a major gateway for the movement of people and goods between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Effective border surveillance remains critical in preventing the movement of illicit goods, safeguarding communities and strengthening the country’s capacity to enforce customs regulations.
Njanji urged members of the public to comply with customs requirements when moving goods across national borders, warning against the use of unauthorised channels to transport goods.
“Members of the public are urged to desist from smuggling and to use designated and authorised ports of entry when importing or exporting goods,” he said.
The Authority further warned that failure to declare goods constitutes smuggling under Section 182 of the Customs and Excise Act and may result in prosecution and seizure of the goods involved.
ZIMRA reiterated its commitment to protecting national revenue, securing Zimbabwe’s borders against illicit trade and ensuring that all goods entering the country comply with applicable customs laws and regulations.
The successful interception also demonstrates how investment in specialised detection capabilities, including trained canine units, can strengthen the country’s border management systems and complement the work of law enforcement agencies.
