Beitbridge Border Post-The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has sounded the alarm over widespread corruption at the Beitbridge Border Post, revealing that 150 cases have been recorded over the past four years. The cases primarily involve collusion between Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials and customs clearing agents, who have allegedly orchestrated smuggling operations and under-invoicing scams for personal enrichment.
Speaking at the 19th Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) annual conference held in Bulawayo, ZACC chairperson Michael Reza laid bare the extent of the criminal activity, warning that government agencies would no longer tolerate the rampant abuse of national borders.
“We have recorded 150 corruption cases at Beitbridge Border Post alone,” Reza said. “These cases are not isolated—they reveal organised syndicates that have operated with near impunity. So far, 65 individuals have been arrested, and some have already been convicted and are serving jail time. The rest are under active investigation.”
Reza warned those involved in border-related corruption that the government would adopt a zero-tolerance approach moving forward. He issued a stern message to both public officials and private players exploiting the system: “There will be no mercy for those treating our borders as a playground for illicit enrichment.”
According to Reza, the most common scams involve the deliberate undervaluation of imported goods, misclassification of imports to reduce customs duties, and fast-tracking of illegal clearances in exchange for bribes. These actions are not only illegal but have severe consequences for national revenue collection and economic development.
While acknowledging the critical role of customs and forwarding agents in facilitating international trade and driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth, Reza did not hold back in his criticism of the sector.
Corruption Scourge at Beitbridge Border Post: ZACC Exposes 150 Smuggling Cases in Four Years
“It is deeply concerning that corruption is now systemic within your industry,” he told conference delegates. “Some SFAAZ members have unfortunately become conduits for smuggling and under-invoicing. This compromises Zimbabwe’s capacity to mobilise revenue and meet its development goals.”
Reza urged industry stakeholders to adopt integrity pledges and take a firm stance against corruption. He emphasised that the SFAAZ network is responsible for handling more than 95 percent of the country’s commercial imports and exports, making the integrity of its members essential to protecting Zimbabwe’s economic interests.
He further revealed that ZACC investigations have uncovered disturbing examples of fraud at the country’s borders, including attempts to smuggle large quantities of non-agricultural goods disguised as farm equipment. “We have found clearing agents misrepresenting cargo—like thousands of tissue rolls and suitcases—claiming they were agricultural implements to dodge taxes,” Reza said.
Such schemes, he added, directly undermine efforts to grow the economy and fund public services. “This lawlessness cannot continue. It weakens our institutions, stifles socio-economic progress, and erodes public trust,” he said.
Reza called for deeper collaboration between ZACC, ZIMRA, and the private sector to dismantle the criminal networks embedded at the border. He also encouraged whistleblowers to come forward with information, promising that all reports would be treated with confidentiality and urgency.
In addition to enforcement, ZACC has pledged to intensify preventative efforts at Zimbabwe’s strategic border posts, which serve as crucial gateways for trade. However, the commission stressed that true reform would require honest commitment from all parties involved in cross-border commerce.
“This is not just a law enforcement issue; it’s a national duty,” Reza said. “We must restore integrity and transparency at our ports of entry if we are to transform Zimbabwe’s economy and achieve Vision 2030.”
The revelations at Beitbridge Border Post have once again highlighted the urgent need for institutional reforms and tighter border management. With the government’s anti-corruption stance becoming more aggressive, all eyes are now on whether ZACC’s crackdown will translate into long-term accountability and cleaner operations at Zimbabwe’s busiest port of entry.
