HARARE — The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is reportedly seeking to establish the ownership and tax status of 25 properties allegedly linked to Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga.
According to a report published by Takabatana Daily on X, the properties are situated in Borrowdale Brooke, one of Harare’s most affluent residential estates.
The report alleges that ZIMRA’s information-gathering exercise is intended to determine the ownership of the properties and whether all applicable taxes have been declared and paid. However, no finding of tax evasion or other wrongdoing has been announced against Guvamatanga.
The development comes after the Borrowdale Brooke Homeowners Association informed residents that ZIMRA had requested information about properties within the estate. The required details reportedly include the names and contact information of property owners and tenants, as well as the commencement dates of lease agreements.
The association said the request was made under Section 39 of the Income Tax Act, which empowers the ZIMRA Commissioner-General to demand information necessary for the administration and enforcement of tax laws.
After obtaining external legal advice, the homeowners’ association reportedly concluded that it was legally required to cooperate with the revenue authority. It assured residents that only information covered by the statutory request would be disclosed.
The general information request covering Borrowdale Brooke does not, by itself, establish that every property or resident within the estate is under investigation for wrongdoing. It also remains unclear whether ZIMRA has formally opened an individual investigation into Guvamatanga or is examining the properties as part of its broader compliance exercise.
Guvamatanga, a former Barclays Bank Zimbabwe managing director, has served as the Finance Ministry’s Permanent Secretary since 2018. His property holdings have previously attracted public scrutiny, including reports alleging that he owns several properties in South Africa.
As of the time of publication, neither ZIMRA nor Guvamatanga had publicly responded to the specific claims that the current exercise covers 25 properties associated with him.
The reported inquiry is expected to intensify public demands for transparency, tax compliance and accountability among senior public officials and wealthy property owners. However, the allegations remain unproven unless confirmed through official investigations or court proceedings.
