Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza-Herald Reporter
A 38-year-old local businessman, Sungai Chibaya, appeared in court on Saturday, accused of flouting exchange control regulations and money laundering involving US$1 158 413 in cross-border goods shipments from Zambia and Tanzania.
Prosecutors allege that between February 15, 2024, and July 24, 2025, Chibaya—operating from Shop 12A at the corner of Albion and Cameron in Harare—collected cash from clients for the purchase and shipment of goods from Tanzania and Zambia.
Instead of following legal channels, he allegedly bypassed the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) by directly paying foreign suppliers or incurring obligations to pay them outside Zimbabwe without RBZ approvals.
On the second charge, the State claims that between February 15, 2024, and July 17, 2025, Chibaya conducted international payments totalling US$1 158 413 to suppliers in Tanzania and Zambia using the proceeds of crime.
The prosecution argues that these transactions were designed to conceal the true source, movement, and ownership of the funds. Chibaya was remanded out of custody and is set to return to court on August 20 as investigations continue.
