By Fanuel Chinowaita
Chipinge, Zimbabwe — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Chipinge District and Mozambique’s Polícia da República de Moçambique (PRM) Mossurize District have reaffirmed their commitment to intensify joint efforts to combat cross-border crime following a bilateral meeting held recently in Chipinge.
Welcoming the Mozambican delegation, the Officer Commanding ZRP Chipinge District, Chief Superintendent Edmore Kelosi said the meeting was a continuation of engagements agreed during a similar meeting held in Espungabera, Mozambique, in July 2025.
“The arrival of the Mozambican delegation marks another positive step in the continued engagement between PRM Mossurize District and ZRP Chipinge District in the fight against crime,” he said.
The officer noted that the meeting came at a time when both districts had undergone leadership changes, making the engagement critical for strengthening cooperation and communication.
“This meeting is the best platform for me and my counterpart, Superintendent Serreto, to physically meet for the first time, interact and exchange contact details for future communications,” he said.
The two districts, which share an international boundary, acknowledged a rise in cross-border crimes including stock theft, smuggling, drug trafficking, theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles, and the movement of criminal gangs across the border.
“Faced with an increase in cross-border crimes between our two countries, it is very important for our two sister districts to continue engaging with a view to find common ground in the fight against these crimes,” the ZRP Chipinge commander said.
ZRP Chipinge reported that between August 2025 and January 2026, it assisted PRM Mossurize in several high-profile cases.
These included the arrest and deportation of Zakaria Simango, a Mozambican national wanted for murder, who was arrested on 11 September 2025 and Brighton Ndlovu, who was linked to cross-border stock theft and arrested at Beitbridge Border Post while attempting to flee to South Africa.
Police also recovered three head of cattle stolen from Mozambique and driven into Zimbabwe.
“The suspect escaped, but the cattle were recovered and returned to the owner in Mozambique,” the officer said.
ZRP Chipinge further revealed that it is currently holding two motorcycles suspected to have been stolen from Mozambique.
“Our Mozambican counterparts may check with their records to see if these motorcycles were not reported stolen in Mossurize District,” he said.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the implementation of previous resolutions, noting progress in information sharing through WhatsApp platforms, particularly on detained suspects, recovered property and impounded motorcycles.
However, several resolutions remain outstanding, including joint patrols along the border and coordinated intelligence operations to dismantle smuggling and vehicle theft syndicates.
On smuggling, ZRP Chipinge warned that second-hand clothes and fuel continued to be illegally brought into Zimbabwe through undesignated crossing points.
“There is need to find lasting solutions to this scourge, which is causing loss of revenue to both Mozambique and Zimbabwe,” the officer said.
Drug trafficking, particularly cannabis, was also flagged as a growing concern.
“Cannabis is the most frequently trafficked drug and inland stop-and-search operations must be done to arrest traffickers,” he said.
The meeting also addressed delays at Mt Selinda Border Post, human-wildlife conflict affecting communities around Mahenye, and the pollution of the Rusitu River due to illegal gold mining activities.
“Further engagements will be done with our counterparts to deal with the issue of river pollution and illegal mining,” the officer said.
Both districts agreed on new timelines for intelligence sharing, joint patrols and community awareness programmes on stock theft prevention, with most activities expected to commence by March 2026.
Concluding the meeting, the ZRP Chipinge commander emphasised the need for sustained cooperation.
“The struggle against cross-border crimes must continue,” he said.
