Published: 22 November 2025

Matebeleland South Senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa has demanded clarity from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) over the establishment of a new inland checkpoint in Gwanda, describing it as an unnecessary burden that has effectively created a "second border post" inside the country. The checkpoint, situated roughly 150 kilometres from the Beitbridge Border Post, has triggered widespread frustration among travellers, cross-border traders and families arriving from South Africa.

Raising a Point of National Interest in the Senate on Tuesday, Senator Mlotshwa said ZIMRA officers at the Gwanda point were stopping every bus and vehicle with South African number plates to conduct searches, double-check customs declarations and, in some cases, confiscate goods where duty had not been paid. She said travellers were being delayed for hours, with some buses ordered to offload all luggage for inspection.

"This has become a second border post, yet ZIMRA already has full authority, equipment and manpower at Beitbridge, our official port of entry," Mlotshwa said. "Thousands of citizens are being frustrated daily, and the system undermines the ease of doing business in our country."

Passengers have complained for weeks about the inland checkpoint, which requires them to produce stamped customs declaration forms. Any mismatch between declared and undeclared goods has resulted in on-the-spot duty demands or confiscations, sparking anger among travellers who admit that many people either fail to declare goods at the border or understate their value to avoid high duty charges.

Mlotshwa insisted the checkpoint was not an appropriate solution, arguing that the measure raises questions about governance, policy consistency and the treatment of citizens. She listed five major concerns: duplication of border-control functions, economic disruption, humanitarian and safety risks, lack of transparency, and the contradiction between government policy and practice.

"Parliament cannot stand by while travellers cleared at Beitbridge are subjected to a second clearance in Gwanda," she said. "This is inefficient, costly and unnecessary." The senator formally requested explanations from Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube and ZIMRA Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa, questioning the legal basis, purpose and necessity of the inland checkpoint.

The Deputy President of the Senate advised Mlotshwa to submit her questions in writing to the relevant ministry.

Commenting on the issue, Zimbabwe Communist Party (ZCP) General Secretary Nqabutho Nicholas Mabhena called for a nuanced understanding of the public outrage, saying the debate must consider the interplay between duty avoidance, protection of local industry and inconsistencies in government policy. He acknowledged that many travellers prefer avoiding duty charges but warned that ZIMRA's current approach appeared to target ordinary citizens while large retailers continued importing foreign goods with minimal scrutiny.

"What is wrong is for ZIMRA to target all of us while big supermarkets stock goods bought from South Africa," Mabhena said. "Our supermarkets must sell locally made products. Protecting local industry should not translate into exploiting the ordinary citizen."

Mabhena emphasised that while the ZCP supports measures that protect domestic industries and contribute to economic growth, such efforts must be accompanied by strict accountability on how duty revenue is used. He urged authorities to ensure transparency and tough anti-corruption measures.

"The money collected from borders must be used correctly. Any corrupt officials should be prosecuted," he said. "If it means hanging them, we must not tolerate corruption."

He added that lessons could be drawn from China's anti-corruption strategies, arguing that strong enforcement and ideological discipline had helped lift millions out of poverty.

As the controversy grows, travellers continue to express concern over delays and perceived harassment at the Gwanda checkpoint, with many calling for the system to be dismantled or relocated back to Beitbridge, where border formalities legally belong.
- CITE

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