South African Driver Caught Attempting to Smuggle R608k Worth of Dagga Into Zimbabwe, Mzansi Amused
- A South African was apprehended at the Beitbridge Border Post by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials
- The truck driver was attempting to smuggle dagga to the Democratic Republic of Congo through Zimbabwe
- One social media user noted that it wasn't Zimbabweans doing something illegal in South Africa for a change
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent a decade reporting on the South African political landscape, crime and social issues. He spent 10 years working for a community newspaper before transitioning to online
South Africans often complain about foreigners, particularly Zimbabweans, entering the country to commit crimes, but now the tables have been reversed.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) reported that they intercepted a South African truck driver attempting to smuggle dagga into Zimbabwe.
The individual, who was driving a South African-registered truck transporting vehicles, was stopped at the Beitbridge Border Post on 3 March 2025.
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Driver apprehended with 163 kilograms of dagga
According to ZIMRA, 163 kilograms of dagga was hidden in the truck. The value is estimated at R608,000.
The dagga was found by ZIMRA customs officials and K9 units hidden beneath blankets and plastic wrapping.
“The truck, driven by an unidentified South African national, entered from South Africa and was en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), transiting through Zimbabwe and Zambia,” ZIMRA spokesperson Francis Chimanda said.
ZIMRA Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa praised the bust, saying that they were committed to combatting smuggling.
“The smuggling of illegal drugs poses a significant threat to our society. ZIMRA remains committed to safeguarding our borders and preventing the flow of illicit substances,” she added.
You can watch the video of officials removing the dagga below.
The border is often a hotspot for criminal activity, but normally, it's Zimbabweans arrested for trying to sneak into South Africa. On 30 November 2024, eyebrows were raised when the South African National Defence Force claimed that pregnant Zimbabwean women were entering the country to give birth so their children could get access to social grants.
On 19 January 2025, the Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi defended his countrymen coming to SA, saying that migration was not a new phenomenon.
Social media users weigh in on bust
The news left some amused, as they noted that it was leaving the country as opposed to coming in.
Siyanda Mesiya Syera Twani joked:
“Why are they worrying if it is going out man? 🙉 That’s minus so many kilograms that we have inside our country now 🤣.”
Kick Samanyebela stated:
“It’s the opposite now.”
Mtobi Nash added:
“They are just scratching the surface. That border post is a crime scene 24/7. Tell us about the ones you didn't intercept.”
Darryn Clark said:
“No man shame. They need some as well, mos.”
Missy Hussl exclaimed:
“All they know is dagga. But can't do anything about actual crime. Sies.”
Border Management Authority arrests 120 foreign nationals
Briefly News reported how the Border Management Authority (BMA) continued to crack down on illegal immigrants entering the country.
The BMA arrested 120 foreign nationals since the beginning of 2025, with many of them attempting to enter South Africa illegally.
Approximately 20,000 people were processed, with 17,000 of them found to be travelling from Zimbabwe to South Africa.
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Source: Briefly News
