Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Two Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officers, Philip Kuvenga and Rangariraishe Zingwe, stationed at the Victoria Falls Border Post, have been arraigned in court on charges of criminal abuse of office. The duo is accused of unlawfully facilitating the importation of 20 motor vehicles older than ten years, contravening Statutory Instrument 54 of 2024.
Alleged Offenses
Between January and December 2024, Kuvenga and Zingwe allegedly received importation documents from clients, both electronically and manually. They are accused of manipulating vehicle valuation processes by altering chassis numbers to mislead their supervisor during the vehicle age verification process. After obtaining supervisory approval based on the falsified information, they reportedly entered the correct chassis numbers into the ASYCUDA World System. Additionally, they allegedly altered physical valuation sheets or replaced previously submitted documents with accurate details before final processing. The vehicles were then released without proper recording in the release register or ensuring their registration, as mandated by station standing instructions.
Discovery and Investigation
The alleged offenses came to light when a vehicle, which had not yet physically arrived in Zimbabwe, was discovered to have already been registered. A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Kuvenga and Zingwe. They have been remanded in custody pending a bail ruling scheduled for February 3, 2025.
Statutory Instrument 54 of 2024
Statutory Instrument 54 of 2024, cited as the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 10), prohibits the importation of second-hand vehicles aged ten years and above from the date of manufacture. Such vehicles are required to be re-exported by the owner at their expense if imported.
Implications
This case underscores the challenges faced by authorities in enforcing import regulations and combating corruption within customs operations. The alleged actions of the accused not only violated national import laws but also compromised the integrity of ZIMRA’s operations at one of the country’s key border posts.
Next Steps
The legal proceedings against Kuvenga and Zingwe are ongoing. The outcome of this case is anticipated to have significant implications for ZIMRA’s internal policies and the enforcement of import regulations in Zimbabwe.
