RISING cases of smuggling of drugs, cheap and counterfeit goods have forced Zimbabwe and Zambia to call a high-level security meeting of top officials from both countries to address the scourge.
The Zimbabwe-Zambia Interprovincial Security Meeting, underway in Kariba, aims to strengthen co-operation and find solutions to the challenges experienced along their shared border.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) in Zimbabwe recently flagged the rampant smuggling of counterfeit products from Zambia to Zimbabwe.
In a report released in June this year, CPC said there was an influx of Zambian products, some of which were substandard, with suppliers indicating that they are much cheaper than local products.
The counterfeit goods include pots, blankets, dairy products, meat and soft drinks.
The report also revealed that the unregulated products evade tax as the manufacturers are not registered, posing unfair competition and leading to loss of revenue to government.
Addressing the meeting, ZRP Officer Commanding Mashonaland West province Commissioner Tawonei Nyazema said smuggling of goods and pharmaceuticals was a significant problem between the neighbouring countries.
“Smuggling of goods and pharmaceuticals is the most common problem between the two countries,” he stated.
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Bulls to charge into Zimbabwe gold stocks
- Ndiraya concerned as goals dry up
- Letters: How solar power is transforming African farms
Keep Reading
Nyazema, however, highlighted the success of joint campaigns against drug abuse, which were conducted across five provinces.
“We have records on this issue and we hope that the campaign will continue,” he said.
The meeting has also seen collaboration between law enforcement agents and traditional leaders.
Nyazema highlighted a recent encounter with officers in Livingstone, Zambia, who were working alongside Chief Nkumi.
“It is proof that we are working well,” he said, underscoring the importance of interprovincial co-operation.
Nyazema noted that the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia poses unique challenges, adding that it was very porous.
He also called for increased vigilance and co-operation to prevent smuggling and other illicit activities.
Zambia’s Southern Province police chief Commissioner Auxensio Daka applauded the collaboration between the neighbouring States as the two countries work on preventing crime and enhancing security in the region.
The meeting is a follow up on previous agreements to expand the Security and Enforcement Taskforce Operations to include all provinces bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Daka said the expansion would enable a more comprehensive approach to addressing security challenges along the border. He, however, praised the police in border towns for conducting joint operations and building relationships through sports.
“I am extremely happy that our operators in the border towns have been doing quite a good job in having their own separate meetings and operations,” Daka said.
“They have gone further to play football, netball and other sports, which is a good thing because it helps us to get to know each other better and co-ordinate our efforts in a better way.”
Daka expressed confidence that the two-day meeting will yield valuable outcomes.
By working together, Zambia and Zimbabwe seek to strengthen their security ties and address common challenges, ultimately enhancing the safety and well-being of their citizens.
The Zimbabwe-Zambia Interprovincial Security Meeting brought together top officials from both countries to discuss key security issues and strengthen co-operation, marking a significant step towards a more secure and prosperous region.
