- Bulawayo
- Sources within the National Anti-Smuggling Task Force disclosed the findings, noting that the operation—originally aimed at smuggled goods—exposed irregularities tied to the government’s farming initiative. “On December 27, 2024, at around 9 am, while on duty, we arrived at No. 15 Connolly Road, Queensdale, acting on a tip-off about suspected smuggled goods. Instead of finding contraband, we discovered large quantities of fertiliser resembling those from the Presidential Inputs Scheme,” one of the sources stated
An inter-ministerial task force on smuggling, acting on a tip-off, recently uncovered 150 bags of 50kg fertilizer and seeds from the Presidential Inputs Scheme at a house in Queensdale Suburb, Bulawayo, CITE can reveal.
The fertiliser, intended to support farmers, was allegedly being sold illegally, fuelling growing allegations of corruption within the Presidential Inputs Scheme. The initiative, designed to boost agricultural productivity by providing free inputs to farmers, has faced persistent accusations of mismanagement and corruption.
Reports of inputs being sold or diverted have sparked tension among beneficiaries, undermining the program’s objectives.
Sources within the National Anti-Smuggling Task Force disclosed the findings, noting that the operation—originally aimed at smuggled goods—exposed irregularities tied to the government’s farming initiative.
“On December 27, 2024, at around 9 am, while on duty, we arrived at No. 15 Connolly Road, Queensdale, acting on a tip-off about suspected smuggled goods. Instead of finding contraband, we discovered large quantities of fertiliser resembling those from the Presidential Inputs Scheme,” one of the sources stated.
The house owner, Wallace Mapiye (40), denied ownership of the fertiliser and implicated Edgar Bhiri (28) of Njube as the person responsible. Mapiye then led the task force to Bhiri, who was intercepted en route to church in Emganwini.
Bhiri admitted to delivering the fertiliser to Mapiye’s home and claimed to have obtained the goods from Tawanda Sibanda (56) of Mpopoma. Bhiri also alleged that he was instructed to sell the products and receive a share of the proceeds.
The task force subsequently located Sibanda at his residence, where he was apprehended. During questioning, Sibanda revealed that he had received the fertiliser from a woman identified only as Yvonne, an extension officer whose contact information was shared with authorities.
According to the sources, Sibanda admitted to receiving 150 bags of 50kg compound D fertiliser for sale and assigning Bhiri to handle the transactions.
All three suspects—Mapiye, Bhiri, and Sibanda—were taken to ZRP Queensdale, where an official report was filed and the case was referred to the police anti-corruption unit.
The Zimbabwean government recently launched a robust operation to combat smuggling, assigning an inter-ministerial task force that includes security agencies and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). This campaign aims to address annual revenue losses estimated at US$1 billion due to illicit trade.
The operation targets individuals and businesses involved in smuggling, with particular focus on returning holidaymakers who frequently bypass customs regulations. Authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance policy, warning of severe consequences for offenders.
As part of the nationwide crackdown, the task force this month closed a number of businesses including a liquor outlet owned by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi.
