In a development that is set to send chills down the spines of those who are engaged in the same line of business, a woman who was found in possession of two bales, commonly known as mabhero, has been sentenced to 90 days in prison.
Fortunately for Kudzisai Chiweshe, a 54-year-old woman from Marondera, she was also given the option to pay a US$200 fine instead of serving jail time.
Chiweshe appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of contravening the Customs and Excise Act.
On the 19th of March 2024, the Zimbabwe Republic Police received a tip-off regarding a Trip Trans bus carrying bales of second-hand clothes, also known as “mabhero.”
Acting swiftly on the information, the police successfully intercepted and impounded the bus at Forbes Border Post. During the search, Chiweshe, who was a passenger on the bus, was found in possession of two bales weighing 45kg each. Unfortunately, she was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the clothing, leading to her subsequent arrest.
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After her appearance in the Mutare Magistrates’ Court, Chiweshe was found guilty of contravening the Customs and Excise Act. As a result, she was given the choice of paying a fine of USD 200 or serving a 90-day prison sentence in the event she fails to pay the fine.
The second-hand clothing was confiscated and handed over to the State, with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) responsible for further management in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act.
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