Crime and Courts
US$6.34m Vanishes in Alleged ZIMRA Cyber Heist
Two senior Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials have been hauled before the courts over allegations of orchestrating a cyber fraud scheme that siphoned more than US$6.3 million from the tax collector.
The accused, Shupikai Mary Nicola Marongwe (52), a database administrator, and Paradzai Mutasa (35), a systems developer, were brought before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. They were remanded in custody until Friday while their bail application is considered.
Prosecutors allege that the pair, who were responsible for managing ZIMRA’s sensitive tax systems, abused their authority for personal enrichment.
State counsel Rufaro Chonzi told the court that during the implementation of the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZESW) project—linked to the ASYCUDA customs system—the two were asked by a United Nations consultant to create a restricted-access user account. Instead, they allegedly engineered a concealed account with full administrator privileges.
Through this hidden access, they are accused of tampering with clearing agents’ prepayment accounts by inserting fake deposits. This gave the impression that customs duties had been settled when, in fact, ZIMRA had not received any funds.
With the system showing duties as paid, goods were cleared without payment while the accused allegedly pocketed cash from the agents, later sharing the illicit proceeds.
The alleged scheme went undetected for several months. Prosecutors argued that by exploiting their positions, the two “acted against their obligations as public officers, granting undue advantage to themselves while prejudicing ZIMRA.”
Authorities confirmed that none of the millions lost through the fraud has been recovered.
The duo remains in custody as the court finalises its decision on bail.
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Crime and Courts
Illegal miner jailed 5 years for gold worth USD 12
A Ruwa man will rue the day after he defied the cultural day (Chisi) and went on to illegally pan gold at a mine shaft after he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 0.096 grammes of the metal.
According to court records Tafadzwa Matsika (45) was sentenced to five years in prison for the illegal possession of gold.
NPA said Matsika was arrested on the 20 August 2025 at Greencroft mining compound mine after officials received information that someone was illegally panning for gold on cultural day of rest known as (Chisi).
“Mine officials tracked his spoor from a mining shaft to a nearby compound where they confronted the offender.
“Matsika produced a sachet of toasted gold weighing 0.096 grammes from his pocket but could not produce a mining license or permit.”
Crime and Courts
Police Deploy Breathalysers and Speed Cameras Ahead of Festive Season
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will this weekend begin deploying breathalysers and speed cameras on major highways as part of a nationwide campaign to curb drunk driving and speeding, two leading causes of road fatalities.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the new technology will allow officers to deal “directly and scientifically” with reckless drivers. “This is about restoring discipline on our roads,” Mhona said. “These measures will reduce accidents and enhance public safety.”
The rollout marks Zimbabwe’s first large-scale use of modern road enforcement tools. It coincides with the introduction of a new fleet of Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) vehicles, which will strengthen inspections and ensure vehicles are certified fit for the road.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and avoid unnecessary risks. “Road safety is a collective responsibility. Vehicles must be serviced and certified fit to be on the road,” he said.
The initiative comes as authorities brace for increased travel and festive season traffic, a period historically associated with high accident rates.
Crime and Courts
Meru service station robbed 9K
Four armed robbers outfoxed security personnel manning Kwekwe Meru service station before they blew up a safe and fled with over USD 9 000.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway.
He said the robbery occurred on 17 November 2025 at Meru service station Kwekwe. “Four armed men approached a Fawcett officer who was on duty and forced him to lie on the ground.
“They tied his hands and legs before dragging him into the building.
“A second Fawcett officer ran into the building and was also caught while attempting to notify the Fawcett Reaction Team,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the suspects tied his hands and legs. and dragged him into the same room where the other Fawcett officer was being held.
“The suspects then forced their way into the second room, where three officers were asleep and tied the officers as well.
“They blasted a wall-mounted safe and seized USD 9 700.”
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