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Crime and Courts

US$6.34m Vanishes in Alleged ZIMRA Cyber Heist

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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.

ALSO READ : Zimbabwe Suffers Biggest Fall as Spain Tops Latest FIFA Rankings

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Crime and Courts

Bulawayo Man Jailed For Dealing with Dangerous Drugs

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A man, Tyron Siegfried Pigors (39) of Matsheumhlope, Bulawayo, has been sentenced to five years in jail for dealing in dangerous drugs by the Magistrates’ Court.

According to a statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), Pigors was sentenced by the Bulawayo Regional Magistrates’ Court for dealing in dangerous drugs, including crystal meth.

“On 6 March 2025, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics Bulawayo raided Pigors’ home on Chelmsford Road following a tip-off about drug dealing.

The search uncovered a safe box disguised as a ‘New English Dictionary’ hidden under his bed, which contained sachets of crystal meth, as well as two digital scales in his wardrobe,” said the NPA statement.

There was also a blue metal trunk in the spare bedroom containing 17 medium sachets of crystal meth (inside a Lobels biscuits box), 11 large sachets of crystal meth (inside a Puma shoe box), and one glass kitchen scale.

“The recovered drugs weighed 1.260 kilograms, with a street value of US$6,300,” the NPA statement added.

Pigors was sentenced to eight years in prison, of which three years were suspended for five years, leaving him with an effective sentence of five years behind bars.

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Crime and Courts

Teacher Arrested for Alleged R@pe of 12-Year-Old Pupil During Extra Lessons

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A 48-year-old educator from Hopley Zone 4 has been taken into custody following allegations of s@xually assaulting a young student under his care.

Collen Banda, who was providing extra tuition to the 12-year-old Grade 4 girl, faces charges of r@pe after reportedly threatening her and assaulting her without protection while they were alone in a room. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, came to light when the victim confided in others about the abuse.

Authorities acted swiftly upon the disclosure, leading to Banda’s arrest. Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the details in a statement, noting that investigators are treating the matter as a serious case of child s@xual assault.

“The victim was promptly escorted to MSF Edith Clinic in Mbare for a comprehensive medical examination to ensure her well-being and gather necessary evidence,” said Insp Chakanza

Banda remains in custody as the probe continues, with police urging anyone with additional information to come forward. This case underscores ongoing concerns about child safety in educational settings, particularly during after-hours sessions.

Local education officials have yet to issue a formal response, but community leaders in Hopley are calling for stricter oversight of private tutoring arrangements.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as proceedings advance through the courts.

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Crime and Courts

Mugabe Jr. Nabbed in Harare Drug Bust

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Mugabe Jr. Nabbed in Harare Drug Bust

Robert Mugabe Jr., the 33-year-old son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, was arrested Wednesday evening in Harare after police allegedly discovered quantities of cannabis and cocaine in his possession, sources close to the investigation confirmed.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics unit acted on a tip-off, detaining Mugabe Jr. during a routine stop in the capital’s affluent Borrowdale suburb.

Officers reportedly recovered small packets of the substances from his vehicle, though exact quantities have not been disclosed pending forensic analysis.

No additional suspects were mentioned in initial reports.Mugabe Jr. is scheduled to appear before the Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, where he is expected to face charges under Zimbabwe’s Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for possession of controlled substances like cannabis and cocaine.

Court officials have yet to release a formal docket, but legal experts anticipate a bail hearing could expedite his release given his high-profile status.

This incident marks the latest in a series of legal entanglements for Mugabe Jr., who has cultivated a reputation for brushes with the law since his father’s death in 2019.

In February 2023, he was arrested for allegedly vandalizing property worth $12,000 at a raucous party in Harare and assaulting a police officer, charges that were later suspended after a brief court appearance.

Earlier that year, he survived a high-speed car crash in the Eastern Highlands, sustaining minor injuries.

Mugabe Jr., a former national basketball player and co-founder of the xGx clothing label, has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent months, focusing on business ventures in South Africa alongside his brother, Chatunga Bellarmine.

Zimbabwean authorities have ramped up anti-drug operations in recent years amid rising concerns over narcotics trafficking through southern Africa.

Just last month, 14 foreign nationals were nabbed in a cocaine bust at a Harare lodge, highlighting the porous borders exploited by international syndicates.

Mugabe Jr.’s arrest, however, appears isolated and tied to personal use rather than broader distribution networks.Neither Mugabe Jr. nor his family has issued a public statement as of press time.

Grace Mugabe, the former first lady and his mother, could not be reached for comment.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police declined to elaborate beyond confirming the arrest, citing ongoing proceedings.This developing story will be updated as new details emerge from the courtroom.

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