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Crime Reporter
TWO Italians were arrested in Plumtree last week after they allegedly smuggled cellphones and various clothes from Botswana.
Gabriele Troncone (50) and Sieone Lusete (22) were arrested after they sneaked into the country through the Plumtree Border Post.
They were found in possession of 19 male suits, 20 shirts and five Samsung Galaxy S4 cellphones which they did not declare.
National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said the two, who were travelling in separate vehicles, did not follow the normal procedures when they entered the border post.

“When they arrived at the border post, they approached a senior Zimbabwe Revenue Authority official who told them to follow the customs procedures by completing all necessary documentation,” he said.

Chief Supt Nyathi said instead of following the procedures, the two sneaked into the country without being searched.
He said a few minutes later their colleague, identified as Avoli Gaithano arrived at the border post from Botswana and was also told to follow the procedures.

It is alleged that Gaithano told the officials that Troncone and Lusete had already done the procedures on his behalf.
The officials became suspicious and they checked for customs clearance documents, but could not locate them.
Gaithano allegedly drove back to Botswana.

Police informed officers manning a roadblock in Plumtree, leading to the arrest of Troncone and Lusete.
Their vehicles were searched and clothes and cellphones were recovered. The two are still assisting with investigations.
This is not the first time that foreigners have been arrested on allegations of trying to smuggle goods in or out of the country.

Recently, a South African man was arrested at the Harare International Airport smuggling 15kg of ephedrine medicine into Zimbabwe without a permit.

Last month, a Chinese man appeared in court on allegations of trying to smuggle raw ivory and artefacts valued at US$28 475.