Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Beitbridge regional manager Lonto Ndlovu appeared before a Harare magistrate yesterday charged with obstruction of justice.
Ndlovu was not asked to plead when she appeared before magistrate Isheanesu Matova yesterday.
The complainant is Johannes Tagasira in his capacity as the director of Silverline Chemicals Private Limited.
The court heard that on April 7 last year, Silverline Chemicals Private Limited imported 38 000 litres of Methanol valued at approximately US$27 000 through Beitbridge Border Post.
The truck Reg Number KG30FWGP and trailers KVO65SJ GP & KV 06NL GP carrying the methanol underwent clearance procedures at the Beitbridge Border Post.
The procedures included Condep checks, physical inspections and sample collection. After ZIMRA were satisfied with the inspections and documentation, the cargo was cleared and duly left Beitbridge Border Post enroute to Harare.
While on the way to Harare, the truck was later stopped at Bubi on the suspicion that it was carrying diesel and not methanol.
The truck was then escorted back to Beitbridge Border Post for re-inspection
On April 8, samples were taken and sent to NOIC for testing.
ZIMRA then gave Notices of Seizure [Ref 047341l] for the cargo, truck and trailer on the basis that the cargo was not Methanol but diesel as per NOIC’s findings. The result was disputed by Silverline who insisted that their cargo was Methanol and not diesel.
Silverline paid US$2 200 for an independent test to be taken at Standard Association of Zimbabwe on April 9 2024 and subsequently notified Ndlovu through her official email
On April 12, ZIMRA took another sample to ZERA for re-testing.
ZERA came out with a different test remarking that the tested sample meets specification for the standard of illuminating paraffin.
ZIMRA then issued another Notice of Seizure [ref042105] for illuminating paraffin. The Notice of Seizure [042105] was however, not given to Silverline.
Silverline made representations to Ndlovu through an official email challenging the results.
In the email the company emphasised his wish for the independent test since he already paid and engaged SAZ.
Ndlovu did not respond and she approved a request for a disposal of the cargo by informal tender number 5/2024.
Silverline was again not informed and later received information that ZIMRA officials were about to sell and dispose of the cargo without his knowledge. He approached the High Court with an urgent chamber application under HCMSC 186/2024 for relief on April 22 l2024.
Two days later Tinashe L Marange ZIMRA Legal officer officially emailed Ndlovu notifying her that there were judicial proceedings at Masvingo High Court in respect of the cargo.
She was also served with court papers where she was cited as respondent and she duly responded by filling an opposing affidavit to the High Court urgent chamber application.
Silverline , through their lawyer Kudzai Tandi,officially emailed Ndlovu reminding her not to dispose of the cargo since it was the sole exhibit in the pending judicial proceedings and she acknowledged receipt of the email. Ndlovu went on to dispose of the cargo before the matter had been heard leading to her arrest.
