ZRP Foils Alleged Lithium Smuggling Bid at Forbes Border, Suspect Arrested Over US$1,500 Bribery Attempt

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Mutare

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers at Forbes Border Post have foiled an alleged attempt to smuggle lithium concentrate into Mozambique after arresting a suspect accused of offering a US$1,500 bribe to facilitate the illegal export of the strategic mineral.

The suspect, identified as Brian Sekombe, is expected to face bribery charges after allegedly attempting to induce a police officer to allow three haulage trucks carrying lithium concentrate to cross into Mozambique in violation of Zimbabwe's ban on the export of raw and unbeneficiated lithium.

Police reject alleged bribe

According to police documents, the incident occurred at Forbes Border Post, one of Zimbabwe's busiest border crossings, where three trucks loaded with lithium concentrate were intercepted. The vehicles were reportedly destined for Mozambique despite Government restrictions on the export of unprocessed lithium.

Police allege that Sekombe approached Assistant Inspector Chiniva and offered US$1,500, comprising US$100 notes, in exchange for facilitating the trucks' passage through the border.

Instead of accepting the money, officers counted the cash, recorded the serial numbers for evidential purposes and immediately arrested the suspect.

"The accused person handed over the money and was informed he was under arrest for bribery," a police statement said.

The matter has been recorded under Mutare Central CR 107/26.

Investigators probe haulage arrangements

The three trucks involved in the interception are reportedly operated by Sadie Motors, a haulage company that transports goods for mining and logistics firms across Southern Africa.

Investigators are now examining the contractual arrangements behind the consignment to determine who commissioned the shipment and whether the transporter knowingly participated in the alleged smuggling operation or was misled through fraudulent documentation.

Authorities say investigations will focus on identifying everyone involved in the supply chain behind the intercepted cargo. The inquiry follows previous cases in which transport operators allegedly unknowingly carried prohibited minerals using falsified documentation.

Zimbabwe tightens lithium export controls

The latest interception comes as Zimbabwe intensifies enforcement of its ban on the export of raw lithium, introduced to promote domestic mineral beneficiation and maximise returns from one of the country's fastest-growing mining sectors. The Government has designated 14 minerals as strategic or critical minerals, prohibiting the export of their raw or unprocessed forms to encourage local processing, manufacturing and value addition.

According to official figures released by the Government, Zimbabwe earned approximately US$178.6 million from lithium exports during the first quarter of 2026, with authorities attributing improved export earnings to increased beneficiation rather than higher production volumes. Polite Kambamura has previously said the policy is intended to end the export of raw minerals while attracting investment into domestic processing industries.

Forbes Border remains smuggling hotspot

Forbes Border Post has become a key focus of Zimbabwe's anti-smuggling operations as authorities step up efforts to curb the illegal movement of strategic minerals. Earlier this month, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) uncovered an alleged syndicate accused of attempting to export approximately 204 tonnes of lithium ore using a cloned export permit.

In another recent case, two foreign nationals appeared before the courts on allegations of smuggling lithium, chrome and copper through Forbes Border Post using allegedly falsified export declarations. Police say investigations into the latest case are continuing as authorities seek to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of Zimbabwe's critical minerals. Under Zimbabwean law, every accused person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Forbes Border lithium smuggling