Peter Matika [email protected]
TWO Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials accused of facilitating the alleged smuggling of two luxury vehicles linked to an investigation involving Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe are expected to appear at the Bulawayo magistrates’ court today facing criminal abuse of duty charges.
Edwin Mhondiwa Chabuda (43) and Upenyu Chaurura (51), both revenue officers stationed at Plumtree Border Post, were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) following investigations into the alleged unlawful importation and concealment of a Lamborghini Urus and a Mercedes-Benz in Harare.
The two are accused of abusing their positions by allegedly processing the vehicles through Plumtree Border Post without conducting mandatory physical inspections, in violation of Zimra’s standard operating procedures.
Prosecutors are expected to allege that the officials subsequently falsely certified that the vehicles had exited Zimbabwe, despite the cars allegedly remaining in the country.
The vehicles, a black Lamborghini Urus bearing South African registration number TL 00 GP and a Mercedes-Benz registered NB 76 MM GP, were allegedly smuggled into Zimbabwe and concealed at Number 6A Brompton Road, Newlands, Harare, for more than a month to evade the payment of customs duty.
Their discovery followed an intelligence-led operation by ZACC’s Special Operations Unit on November 3, which involved surveillance at the Newlands property.
Investigations reportedly established that neither vehicle had a valid Temporary Importation Permit or official entry records with Zimra, despite records allegedly indicating that both had exited the country through Plumtree Border Post.
The alleged irregularities have placed the spotlight on the role of border officials in enforcing customs regulations and preventing the smuggling of high-value motor vehicles into the country.
