In a decisive move to shield Zimbabwe’s domestic industry from the damaging effects of smuggling and tax evasion, the government is set to tighten its legislative framework and introduce more stringent penalties for offenders.
“The raids are ongoing, inspections at all ports of entry will persist, and arrests will continue,” he stated. “We are now focusing on amending our legislative agenda to classify smuggling as a serious economic crime. We must reach a point where smugglers face significant jail time. This is essential for protecting our economy and stabilizing our currency.”
Engineer Muguti highlighted that the government’s intensified crackdown on smuggling is already producing positive results.
“For the first time in nearly a decade, the black market exchange rate did not experience a spike in February. Both the formal and informal currency markets have remained stable. This achievement is partly due to our aggressive stance on smuggling, which aligns with our broader objective of reviving and supporting local production,” he said.
Among the key measures introduced by the government is the formation of a dedicated anti-smuggling taskforce. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are being rolled out to educate citizens on the importance of supporting local industries and discouraging the purchase of smuggled goods.
This multi-faceted approach reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s economic stability and ensuring fair competition for domestic manufacturers.
