Lockdown: Smugglers changing the way they operate
The Covid-19 lockdowns in SA and Zimbabwe have made illicit trade between the two countries more difficult and costlier. To compensate, smugglers are changing the way they operate
In a scene straight out of a thriller, four men in ski masks invaded a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority depot in Bulawayo on May 6, making off with goods worth $20,000. The loot — about 300 boxes of cough mixture and boxes of gin — had been confiscated by authorities after being smuggled into Zimbabwe from SA. But as Covid-19 disrupts illicit supply chains, smugglers are being forced to adapt to make ends meet.
No-one has yet been arrested for the elaborate heist, says assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson. "These thieves were monitoring the particular truck [that carried merchandise] long before it was brought to the depot."..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.