The recently Commissioned 50 Zupco buses were caught with smuggled goods.
Some drivers of the 50 Zupco coaches imported through Beitbridge last week were fined over $700 000 for attempting to smuggle goods.
The smuggling was discovered by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officers who directed coaches with the undeclared goods to a holding parking bay for investigations.
However, the buses were released after duty and a 100% penalty was paid.
According to multiple sources, the amount was about $360 000 duty and the fine was a similar amount.
Units without smuggled goods were released immediately and driven directly out of the border.
About half the buses imported last week were parked in a bay where the Zimra’s anti-smuggling unit searches vehicles suspected of carrying contraband.
The units, which cost US$58 900 each were imported via Durban by different companies registered as Massbreed, Kingfisher and Sinotruk.
