Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A Harare businesswoman and a businessman have separately appeared in court for allegedly bleeding the taxman through import scams that cost the state more than US$120 000.
Rutendo Hazel Chiveso (42), director of Genemax Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, and Ian Genenesi (31), director of Genenesi Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, were dragged before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on charges of contravening the Customs and Excise Act, falsifying invoices, false representation, and forgery.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Chiveso, between March and April this year, imported two containers through her company declaring them as agricultural implements. “Physical inspection and post-clearance audits revealed the containers held clothes, Tupperware, and other items. This false declaration led to a loss of US$79 986.58 in import duty and VAT for ZIMRA,” read the NPAZ statement.
In a separate case, Genenesi is alleged to have pulled a similar stunt in November 2024, declaring a consignment of clothes, artificial flowers, Tupperware and decorative items as agricultural equipment. That trick cost ZIMRA US$40 955.10.
The total prejudice from the two scams stands at US$120 941.68.
Both accused were granted bail and are expected back in court on 30 September 2025.
Authorities warned that customs fraud is draining public revenue meant for national development. “Those who falsify import documentation are committing serious fraud against the state. Businesses are urged to comply with customs laws,” said the NPAZ.
