The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has uncovered a corrupt syndicate involving its officers at the Victoria Falls Border Post. The officers were facilitating the importation of vehicles over 10 years old, in violation of government regulations.
The accused officers—Phillip Kuvenga (28), Rangariraishe Zingwe (29), and Jean Felix Kadaro (30)—allegedly falsified documents to clear vehicles exceeding the 10-year age limit. They would submit altered documents to their supervisor for approval, then input the correct information into the ASYCUDA World System after approval. In one instance, they cleared a vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe, leading to the discovery of their activities.
The officers have been suspended and arrested on charges of criminal abuse of office. They appeared separately before Victoria Falls Resident Magistrate Mr. Gift Manyika and were denied bail. They are remanded in custody until February 17 for the start of their trial.
The importation of vehicles over 10 years old is prohibited under Statutory Instrument 54 of 2024. The actions of the accused officers have exposed significant corruption at the border post.
The case highlights ongoing challenges within ZIMRA and underscores the need for stringent enforcement of regulations to prevent such corrupt practices.
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