Four ZIMRA officials arrested for demanding and receiving US$6,000 bribe

HARARE – Four Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials have been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of corruption.

The accused officials, Jonathan Maguta, Obert Mitwira, Simon Homera, and Paul Gwatirinda are facing charges of extortion or alternatively, criminal abuse of duty as public officers.

According to ZACC, the officials demanded a payment of US$6,000 from Best Express Logistics to facilitate the release of a bus that had been impounded during an operation to curb smuggling.

Despite the company paying the required excise duty of ZWG55,000, the officials still demanded the bribe. The matter was reported to ZACC, leading to an investigation and the subsequent arrest of the officials after they accepted a US$1,500 bribe.

A search of the ZIMRA vehicle used by the officials uncovered an additional US$3,951, suspected to be part of extorted bribes. The accused officials are currently being held at Avondale Police Station and are expected to appear in court today (Saturday).

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“After paying the required excise duty, the accused persons allegedly demanded US$6 000.00 from Beatrice Maramwidze, a director at Best Express Logistics as payment to facilitate the release of the bus from BAK Storage in Harare,” ZACC said in a statement.

“Maramwidze reported the matter to ZACC and an investigation was launched resulting in the arrest of the accused persons after accepting US$1 500.00 bribe, while in a ZIMRA branded vehicle.

“Upon searching the ZIMRA vehicle, an additional US$3 951.00, suspected to be part of extorted bribes, was recovered.

“The accused persons are detained at Avondale Police Station and are expected to appear at Harare Magistrate Court tomorrow (11 January, 2025).”