ZIMRA K9 dog intercepts seven pistols on bus from South Africa

Seven pistols and 170 rounds of ammunition have been seized at the Beitbridge Border Post after Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officers intercepted a suspicious consignment concealed on a bus travelling from South Africa.

The interception took place in the early hours of Friday, 6 November 2026, during a routine canine inspection at the northbound bus terminal.

According to ZIMRA, the Bulawayo-bound bus was searched at approximately 03:00 when a detector dog named Poncho alerted officers to a suspicious area beneath the first row of passenger seats, directly behind the driver’s seat.

A subsequent physical inspection uncovered two parcels wrapped in black plastic and brown adhesive tape.

The parcels contained seven black pistols and 170 rounds of 9mm blank ammunition.

Driver arrested after Beitbridge discovery

ZIMRA said the bus driver acknowledged receiving the parcels in South Africa for delivery in Bulawayo.

However, he claimed he did not know what the packages contained.

The driver was subsequently taken into police custody as investigations continue.

The seized firearms and ammunition were valued at R21 400, approximately US$1 250.

The consignment was confiscated under Notice of Seizure 047464L, dated 6 November 2026.

ZIMRA warns against smuggling

The revenue authority credited its K9 unit for helping officers detect the concealed consignment, highlighting the importance of detector dogs in combating cross-border smuggling.

“The interception demonstrates the important role of our K9 dogs in combatting smuggling of dangerous goods and other forms of illicit cross-border movement,” ZIMRA said.

The authority also urged travellers and members of the public to comply with customs regulations when transporting goods across Zimbabwe’s borders.

“Members of the public are urged to desist from smuggling and to use designated and authorised ports of entry when importing or exporting goods,” it added.

ZIMRA warned that failing to declare goods constitutes smuggling under Section 182 of the Customs and Excise Act.

Offenders risk prosecution, while goods involved in smuggling activities may be seized.

The authority said it remained committed to protecting national revenue, securing Zimbabwe’s borders against illicit trade and ensuring that imported goods comply with applicable customs laws and regulations.