Richard Shumba
A wave of frustration is sweeping across Gweru as traders accuse the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of heavy-handed enforcement practices that have left many families stranded during the festive season.
Citizens say the crackdown, marked by confiscation of goods, roadside checks, and what some describe as intimidation, has created a climate of fear instead of order.
For weeks, residents travelling back home for the holidays or bringing goods into the country to support their families have found themselves at the mercy of ZIMRA officers.
Many claim their belongings were seized without clear explanations, proper documentation, or reasonable engagement.
Others allege they were ordered to pay large sums immediately or risk losing their goods, a situation they believe violates their rights.
Gweru Traders, who spoke to this publication, Reed Pasipanodya, said that the timing of the enforcement is especially distressing.
“This is the festive season. We are supposed to be reconnecting with family, not being punished. People’s groceries, blankets, clothing items, and small business consignments are being taken away. Some families now have nothing for Christmas,” he said.
Another Gweru trader, Stacy Mandipa, who had her parcels confiscated upon arrival from South Africa, said the experience left her traumatized.
“We understand compliance, but what is happening is not compliance. It is cruel. They don’t listen. They don’t explain. They just seize,” she said.
Amid the growing outcry, legislators have stepped in, echoing the concerns of the public and demanding that the government account for the aggressive measures.
During a recent parliamentary sitting, lawmakers questioned the legality, fairness, and intent behind the enforcement.
Matebeleland South senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa noted that the enforcement appeared to be carried out without balancing enforcement with fairness, and urged the government to
act before more citizens were harmed.
“We request that the Minister of Finance come to this House to explain the constitutional foundation of this directive, the reasons behind such a harsh stance against citizens, how
Parliament was excluded, and what safeguards exist to protect citizens from abuse under this enforcement policy,” the legislator said.
“The people across Zimbabwe are calling for humane regulation, not punitive raids,” added the legislator.
