The ManicaPost
Post Reporters
Smuggled Mozambican products have flooded the Manicaland markets despite the closure of borders, thereby exposing residents in the two neighbouring countries to Covid-19 infections.
Borders have been closed since the national lockdown came into effect in March, but the influx of goods, including groceries, second hand clothing, kitchenware and illicit brews, has continued unabated.
Among the most popular products from Mozambique are rice, spaghetti, bathing and laundry soap, body lotions, cooking oil and flour.
These are being sold in backyard tuck-shops that have sprouted in the province’s high-density suburbs.
A survey conducted by The Manica Post revealed that while locals are stampeding to buy the Mozambican products, their suppliers are actually profiteering.
In addition, local industries are already feeling the heat from the largely illegal informal market.
Five litres of cooking oil costs US$4 in Mozambique and is being sold for $6 in Zimbabwe.
A box of spaghetti costs $5 across the border and is then re-sold for $8 here, while a 25kg bag of rice costs $17 in Mozambique and $20 in Zimbabwe.
Twenty kilograms of flour costs $11 in Mozambique, while the street value shoots to $15 in Zimbabwe. A 50kg bag of the same commodity costs $25 in Mozambique, while in Zimbabwe it is pegged between $30 and $35.
Those interviewed, including Mr Paul Sigauke of Dreamhouse, Mutare, and Mr Munyaradzi Mapungwana from Yeovil, said although they are aware that they are exposing themselves to Covid-19 infections through interacting with the border jumpers, they are attracted to the Mozambican products as they are relatively cheaper.
Smugglers who spoke on condition of anonymity said they cross into the neighbouring country on a daily basis to bring in various goods for their clients.
They bribe their way in and out of Mozambique and hire couriers to transport their goods using several routes in the forests.
“I go to Chimoio everyday and buy groceries there. I know Covid-19 is real, but l have no option. In Mozambique I don’t face any hustles. After buying my stuff, I hire some people who carry it across the border on foot.
“At times we meet the border patrol unit and we just pay them off. In fact, before you cross into Mozambique you first contact the guys patrolling the border so that you can make payment in advance.
“At times, the law enforcement agents provide us with escorts. It all depends with the amount of money you would have paid them,” said one of the smugglers.
In Chipinge, some syndicates are smuggling local products from Dairibord and Delta Beverages for resale in boarder lying areas such as Espungabeira, Machipanda, Manica and Chimoio. The proceeds are then used to buy foreign products for resale back home.
Some dealers are also capitalising on the current fuel shortages to illegally cross into Mozambique to purchase the commodity for resale in Zimbabwe.
A pirate taxi driver who operates along the Chipinge-Mt Selinda route said he is now a courier for border jumpers.
“After the closure of the border, we are now taking orders from our trusted clients only. We often travel during the night to avoid police roadblocks,” he said on condition of anonymity.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) regional officer for Manicaland, Mr Barnabas Masamvu said the influx of Mozambican goods is placing locals at great risk of contracting Covid-19 as the smuggling syndicates are not being screened on their way to and from Mozambique.
He also said the practice is badly affecting local industries.
“With Covid-19 wreaking havoc across the world, this is very risky. Unfortunately consumers are economic beings, no matter the health risk, the majority will go for the cheaper products. But safety is much more important than cost,” said Mr Masamvu.
Chipinge East legislator, Mr Matthias Matewu Mlambo also confirmed the rampant smuggling of goods to and from Mozambique.
“Only a few people here understand how deadly Covid-19 is and there is need for more awareness campaigns. We are working with environment health technicians and traditional leaders to control the movement of people along the border,” he said.
Officer Commanding Manicaland Police Commissioner, Dr Wiklef Makamache said the smuggling syndicates are importing Covid-19 into the country.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is real. We are roping in everybody because it is no longer a matter for the police force. Everybody has to play their part. We are urging members of the public to cooperate with police officers and report all suspicious movements in and out of the country
“This is now a joint operation between the law enforcement agents and members of the public. Let us help each other stop the border jumpers as they are accelerating the spread of Covid-19 in the country,” said Dr Makamache.
