Two ZIMRA Officers In Court Over US$17,000 Import Duty Scandal

Two Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officers have appeared in court facing criminal abuse of office charges over the alleged misclassification of an imported Toyota Hilux, which reportedly resulted in an import duty shortfall of more than US$17,000.

Simbarashe Chikonyora, 46, and Helen Murei, 36, are accused of entering the double-cab vehicle as a single cab in the customs system, allegedly allowing the importer to pay less duty than required.

According to the State, the vehicle was supposed to attract import duty exceeding US$22,000. However, only about US$4,500 was paid following the alleged misclassification.

ZIMRA later seized the vehicle in April this year for post-clearance verification and to facilitate the recovery of the outstanding duty.

The two accused persons were granted bail of US$200 each as the case proceeds through the courts.