Truck operators across southern Africa have applauded the Zambian Revenue Authority (ZRA) after 60 trucks were impounded over a fuel smuggling scam recently.
According to a spokesman for the ZRA, trucks with concealed false bellies containing fuel were found during crime-fighting operations at several border posts in the country. The spokesman said investigations were ongoing but authorities had found that fuel was being smuggled from Namibia via the Katima Mulilo border post as well as from Mozambique through the Chanida border.
It is estimated that as much as 1800 litres of fuel is carried in a false belly tank. Four trucks have been seized by Zambia at Katima Mulilo where seven more were detained and 23 were impounded at Chanida. At Chirundu, the border post between Zambia and Zimbabwe, a total of 30 trucks were impounded, 15 of which were found to be carrying illegal fuel. Zambian trucking operators in particular have welcomed the move to root out crime. One truck operator, who spoke to FTW on condition of anonymity, said it was a great effort by the ZRA.
“It really is good for our industry as a whole. It is very difficult to compete in a tight market as it is, but when one has trucking companies operating on cheap illegal fuel it becomes near impossible.” Diesel remains one of the biggest operating costs for trucking companies, and according to the ZRA the fuel was being smuggled into Zambia for internal trucking operations within the country. He said the seized trucks would be forfeited to the state in accordance with Zambian law. The exact cost to the Zambian government in terms of lost revenue collection or the amount of illegal fuel was still being calculated, he said.
According to Gavin Kelly, acting CEO of the Road Freight Association, any move to deter crime is a good move.
“The actions taken by the Zambian authorities give the industry hope that there are concrete moves to remove the unlawful and illegal transportation, smuggling and collusion by criminal elements in the neighbouring continues,” he said. “There is the perception that nothing is done – so this is very good news. Obviously the two ends of the “ring” need to be investigated or followed up as that is where the greater problem lies in creating the market that drives this practice.”
But with the Zambian borders placed on high alert, Kelly said it was important that the Zambian authorities’ good work did not unnecessarily negatively affect transporters who wished to operate legally and take all measures necessary to be compliant. The ZRA has in the meantime sent out a circular on standard procedure on verification of acceptable fuel tank capacity for trucks entering the country.
“It has been observed that most of the trucks entering the country in transit or where it’s the final destination have modified tank capacity,” reads the circular from Kwegyer Msimuko, ZRA deputy commissioner for operations. “These guidelines are hereby issued to address the loss of revenue through smuggling of fuel and to ensure that we minimise the inconvenience to the law-abiding transporters carrying fuel for own consumption.”
He said it was important for truck operators to know that any additional tanks fitted beyond manufacturers’ specifications must be connected to the fuel system of the truck when entering Zambia.
It is estimated that as much as 1800 litres of fuel is carried in a false belly tank. Four trucks have been seized at Katima Mulilo where seven more were detained.
