The courts have brought two Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officers stationed at Victoria Falls before them on charges of criminal abuse of office.
Philip Kuvenga and Rangariraishe Zingwe, both serving at the Victoria Falls Border Post, are accused of unlawfully facilitating the importation of 20 vehicles that exceeded the 10-year age limit, contravening Statutory Instrument 54 of 2024.
The alleged offences took place between January and December 2024. Prosecutors claim the two officers handled vehicle importation documents, both electronically and manually, on behalf of clients.
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During the valuation process, they allegedly manipulated chassis numbers before submitting the documents for supervisory approval.
They further allege that they entered the correct chassis numbers into the ASYCUDA World System after securing approval using the falsified information. They also face accusations of manipulating valuation sheets and replacing previously submitted documents with accurate details prior to the final processing stage.
Authorities also claim the duo released vehicles without logging them into the release register or ensuring they were properly recorded for registration, as per the station’s standing protocols.
A vehicle’s registration in Zimbabwe before its actual physical arrival in the country exposed the alleged scheme. This irregularity prompted an investigation, ultimately leading to the officers’ arrest.
The two were remanded in custody and are set to return to court on the 3rd of this month for a bail ruling.
