mbulelo smpofu
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has reiterated its dedication to combating corruption and maintaining integrity following the recent arrest of four employees accused of soliciting bribes for the release of confiscated goods.
The arrested individuals —Gwatirinda Paul (42), Mutwira Obert (40), Homera Simon Tavaguta (38) and Maguta Jonathan (38) — have made their initial court appearance before Harare magistrate Mr Taurai Manuwere, facing charges of abuse of office.
In an official statement, Zimra emphasised its commitment to transparency and accountability, asserting that it does not condone any form of corruption.
“Zimra wishes to address recent allegations involving four of our officials charged with extortion and criminal abuse of office. We want to assure the public that the organisation does not tolerate or support corrupt practices,” the statement read.
“As an authority, we remain vigilant regarding these and similar issues and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity. We take these allegations very seriously and will enforce decisive disciplinary action against those involved, following our internal Code of Conduct and applicable regulations.”
Zimra is urging the public to report any suspected corruption promptly so that appropriate measures can be taken. The organisation believes that civic responsibility is essential in the collective effort to fight corruption and ensure that its operations are conducted transparently and with dedication to the public.
Zimra has pledged to collaborate closely with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) and other stakeholders to combat corruption within its ranks and the broader public sector.
“Together, we can foster a culture of integrity that benefits all citizens. We remind stakeholders that all bona fide Zimra officials can be identified by their name tags and uniforms. We encourage individuals to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a Zimra representative,” the statement further read.
“Before engaging in any official business, please request and inspect their proof of identification to confirm their legitimacy as Zimra officials. If you are uncertain, contact us through our general lines: +263 242 758 891-6. For reporting corruption, please reach out to us via our toll-free line: 0808190, WhatsApp: +263772135690, or email: [email protected] .
“You can also connect with Zacc. We urge clients and stakeholders to refuse, resist and report any instances of corruption.”
In the case involving the four Zimra officers, it is alleged that on 9 January, they were deployed at BAK Storage to conduct post-clearance verification of cross-border buses and trucks as part of a collaborative effort with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to combat smuggling.
On that day, Zacc officials received a tip-off from a complainant that Zimra officers were demanding US$6 000 to release her bus that had been impounded. In response, a sting operation was initiated with US$1 500 as bait. Zacc officials then went to BAK Storage.
On arrival, the complainant paid ZWG55 000, which Zimra officer Gwatirinda calculated as excise duty.
Following the payment, she approached Gwatirinda, who was in a Zimra marked Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab with his co-accused, to negotiate the release of her bus.
Gwatirinda allegedly demanded the bribe in the presence of his accomplices, instructing the complainant to hand over the money, which she did. Shortly thereafter, he and his co-accused were arrested after accepting the bribe.
The operation also recovered the US$1 500 bait money and an additional US$3 951 found in the Zimra vehicle, believed to be part of the extorted bribe money from cross-border transporters.
The actions of the accused are reported to be inconsistent with their duties and represent favouritism or discrimination against the complainant and other transport operators.
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