Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent
A 39-year-old man from Westgate, Harare, has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of smuggling fuel worth over US$68 000 and evading paying duty.
Shepherd Gavaza appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo on smuggling charges after he reportedly used a hired fuel tanker to illegally bring fuel into Zimbabwe under the false pretence that it was destined for Zambia.
He was granted US$300 bail and is expected to return to court on August 4. According to the State, represented by prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu, the alleged offence dates back to January 2023 when Gavaza was introduced to Mr Tiripano Shadreck, director of Trip Trans Company, by Elton Musiiwa.
Gavaza had expressed interest in hiring a fuel tanker to transport fuel from Beira Port in Mozambique to Zambia.
The two parties entered a verbal agreement under which Mr Shadreck leased his Volvo truck and fuel tanker to Gavaza for US$3 000 per month.
Gavaza used the truck and tanker from January to December 2023, before returning them, citing that the business had become unprofitable.
However, in May 2024, officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) approached Mr Shadreck seeking proof of customs clearance for fuel consignments allegedly imported using his fuel tanker.
Subsequent investigations revealed that between February 8 and April 28, 2023, Gavaza had illegally imported 47 365 litres of petrol and 85 490 litres of diesel through Forbes Border Post in Mutare.
The fuel was falsely declared as being in transit to Zambia via Chirundu Border Post, allowing Gavaza to evade paying import duty.
Zimra issued a demand for US$68 686 in unpaid duty to Mr Shadreck, as the registered owner of the truck and tanker, used in the smuggling operation.
This left him liable for losses incurred due to Gavaza’s alleged misconduct. The State alleges that Gavaza’s actions resulted in a financial loss to the Government of US$68 686, with neither the smuggled fuel nor the duty recovered to date.
