Super Sonic Freight and Logistics director Kui Bao has appeared in court facing allegations of converting US$56,184 entrusted to him to settle a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) penalty and using allegedly fraudulent invoices to reduce import duty payments.
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Read E-PaperSuper Sonic Freight and Logistics is the first accused in the matter, while Bao, 62, is also being charged in his personal capacity as the second accused.
The company provides sea freight, container customs clearance and related services.
Bao appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai on Monday facing three counts of theft of trust property. He was granted US$300 bail.
The complainant, Zhonh International Private Limited, is represented by its director, Zhiwei Yang.
According to prosecutor Chipo Muvhamba, ZIMRA imposed a ZiG8,548,518 penalty on Zhonh International in January this year.
The company allegedly hired Bao to facilitate payment of the penalty to the tax authority. Bao allegedly told Yang that US$85,000 was needed to clear the amount.
The State alleges that Yang subsequently paid Bao in three instalments, comprising US$10,000 on March 31, US$40,000 on April 9 and US$35,000 on April 24.
However, Bao allegedly paid only ZiG778,854 to ZIMRA, equivalent to about US$28,816, and allegedly converted the remaining US$56,184 to his own use.
The State alleges that no part of the US$56,184 was recovered, resulting in prejudice to Zhonh International.
In the second count, Bao is accused of allegedly using lower-value invoices to reduce customs duty on goods imported by Yang in January 2026.
The goods attracted duty of ZiG454,369, and Bao allegedly requested US$15,145 from Yang to facilitate payment.
Yang allegedly handed over the money on January 15 together with the original invoices.
The State alleges that Bao instead submitted alternative invoices to ZIMRA showing lower values for the goods, resulting in the authority receiving ZiG244,219 instead of ZiG454,369.
A similar allegation was made in the third count involving another shipment imported in March 2026.
The goods attracted duty of ZiG439,369, while Bao allegedly requested US$22,210 from Yang to settle the amount.
After receiving the money and original invoice on March 23, Bao allegedly submitted a different invoice to ZIMRA reflecting a lower value.
ZIMRA subsequently received ZiG246,672 instead of ZiG439,369.
The alleged shortfall was later detected by ZIMRA, which demanded the outstanding ZiG192,697 together with a 100 percent penalty.
Yang eventually paid the outstanding duty and penalty, with the State alleging that the resulting prejudice amounted to ZiG192,697.
No money was recovered.
