Source: CITE
Matabeleland South Senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa has demanded answers over the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s (ZIMRA) new inland checkpoint in Gwanda, describing it as an unnecessary and unjustified burden that is frustrating citizens and effectively creating a “second border post” inside the country, just after the Beitbridge Border Post.
Raising a Point of National Interest in the Senate on Tuesday, Senator Mlotshwa said the checkpoint in Gwanda had become a nightmare for travellers, particularly those arriving from Johannesburg.
She said ZIMRA officers were stopping every bus and vehicle with South African registration plates to search goods, re-check customs declarations and in some cases, confiscate items where duty had not been paid.
“I rise on a point of national interest regarding a matter that is frustrating thousands of citizens daily and undermining the ease of doing business in our country,” Mlotshwa told the Senate.
“ZIMRA has quietly established an additional inland checkpoint in Gwanda, where every single vehicle coming from Johannesburg is stopped, sometimes for hours and hours on end. This has become a second border post, yet ZIMRA already has full authority, equipment and manpower at Beitbridge Border Post, our official port of entry.”.
Travellers, cross-border traders and families have been complaining for weeks about the checkpoint, where buses are ordered to offload all luggage.
Passengers are required to produce their stamped border customs declaration forms. Any discrepancy between declared goods and what is found can result in duty payments demanded on the spot, or confiscation of goods.
This has caused widespread anger as some travellers admitted people often choose not to declare goods at the border or misrepresent their value, partly because they wish to avoid high duty charges.
However, the senator argued the inland checkpoint was not the solution.
Senator Mlotshwa said the system raised serious questions about governance, policy consistency and the treatment of citizens.
She listed five major concerns.
“Duplication of roles – ZIMRA must conduct thorough checks at the border. Creating a second checkpoint 150km inside the country is unnecessary and burdensome.”.
“Economic disruption – Travellers, businesspeople, cross-border traders and even ordinary families are losing hours on the road due to a system that seems designed to delay rather than facilitate movement.”.
“Safety and humanitarian concerns – Vehicles queuing for long periods in remote areas, including at night, exposes citizens to danger, robberies and discomfort, especially women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.”.
“Lack of transparency – There is no clear communication to the public regarding the legal basis, purpose, or duration of this inland station.”.
