AUTHORITIES at Beitbridge have bust a racket that uses fake
customs documents to clear foreign registered vehicles entering the country
from South Africa.
A suspect,
Khumbulani Ndlovu was reportedly busted on Friday by private security guards
who are contracted by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) to beef up
security at the border.
According to sources, Ndlovu was issuing fake Temporary
Import Permits (TIPs) to motorists for a fee to bypass the formal customs
procedures.
Under the country’s laws, foreign registered vehicles of
visitors or Zimbabweans based in other countries are expected to enter the
borders on temporary import permits.
“He was arrested while serving one motorist who was
travelling to Chinhoyi,” said a border official.
“Following his interception by National Eye Security guards
a raid of his offices near the border was conducted by a team of security
agents including Zimra officers.
“Three laptops with TIPs, road access and other forged
Zimra documents were retrieved. The suspect is now in police custody pending
his appearance in court,” said the official.
The official said Ndlovu revealed that he had issued TIPs
to many travellers during previous major holidays.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector
Philisani Ndebele could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The use of forged documents including passports is common
at Beitbridge border post with authorities intercepting over 12 people peddling
counterfeits recently.
The majority of the culprits use fake immigration and
customs date stamps to clear both goods and people in and out of the two
countries. Chronicle
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