Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo-Court Correspondent
A HARARE man has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly using a company’s tax credentials to illegally import diesel worth more than US$200 000 from Mozambique.
Bartholomew Mukucha (61) appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Jesse Kufa, who advised him not to plead.
He was granted US$200 bail and remanded to July 28 for routine remand.
The complainant is Super Giants (Pvt) Ltd, represented by Mr Joseph Manjoro.
Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe alleged that on July 4 and August 5, 2025, Mukucha unlawfully used the complainant’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) and fuel procurement licence to import diesel from Mozambique without the company’s knowledge or consent.
The court heard that the fuel was imported under Bills of Entry C448 dated July 4, 2025, and C537 dated August 4, 2025.
It is alleged that Mukucha subsequently made false declarations regarding the imported fuel at Beitbridge Border Post, resulting in the underpayment of customs duty and prejudicing the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of US$101 101,63.
According to the State, the alleged offence came to light after ZIMRA contacted Super Giants (Pvt) Ltd seeking clarification on the under-declared fuel consignments linked to the two bills of entry.
ZIMRA allegedly demanded payment of the outstanding duty amounting to US$101 101,63, together with an equivalent penalty of US$101 101,63, bringing the total liability to US$202 203,26.
The State alleges that Mukucha’s actions exposed the complainant to a potential financial prejudice of US$202 203,26.
