South African Smuggler Sentenced After Beitbridge Border Bust
Written by Skyz Metro FM on October 29, 2024
By Lindy Ndhlovu
A 44-year-old South African man, Benias Gunda, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by the Beitbridge Magistrate Court after being caught attempting to smuggle a vehicle across the Beitbridge border.
Gunda from Musina, was charged under the Customs and Excise Act after authorities discovered discrepancies in his vehicle’s documentation on September 12, 2024.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, Gunda was found driving a Volkswagen Golf with Zimbabwean plates, but alert customs officials noticed inconsistencies between the vehicle’s motor number and its registration papers.
Under questioning, Gunda admitted to importing the car from South Africa and illegally switching its plates to avoid paying import duty. The vehicle, valued at USD 4,610, resulted in a revenue loss of USD 1,921 for the state.
The court issued a 12-month sentence, with four months suspended for five years and the remaining eight months converted to community service.
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Skyz Metro FM