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Danisa Masuku
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has arrested Wilbert Nyarugwe in Masvingo on allegations of masquerading as a Zanu PF Central Committee member and defrauding a businessman of US$10 000.
In a statement Zacc communications manager, Simiso Mlevu, Nyarugwe posed as a Zanu-PF Central Committee member and promised to use his purported influence to resolve a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) seizure case but later disappeared with the funds.
“It is alleged that in October 2024, the complainant, Douglas Muraza’s bus, Shassell Logistics was seized by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) in Masvingo during an operation against smuggling of goods.
“Muraza engaged the accused, who posed as a Zanu PF Central Committee member with connections to Zimra Commissioner General, Mrs Regina Chinamasa.
“The accused promised to secure the release of the bus and goods for a payment of US$10 000.00 allegedly to be handed over to Mrs Chinamasa who will facilitate the release at favourable terms,” said Mlevu.
She said the complainant instructed his wife to hand over US$10 000 to Nyarugwe but after the payment, Muraza received an official demand from Zimra for payment of ZWG893 529.59 duty plus 100 percent fine equivalent to duty, interest from the date of seizure and payment for storage charges.
“Shocked by the amount demanded by Zimra, the complainant made efforts to reach out to Nyarugwe but he became evasive and eventually blocked the complainant and his wife.
“Muraza reported the matter to Zacc leading to Nyarugwe’s arrest. He was found with fraudulent Zanu-PF cards. He is expected to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court on 22 January 2025 for initial remand,” said Mlevu.
derick.khumalo