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Manicaland Correspondent
A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officer at Forbes Border Post in Mutare has appeared in court on criminal abuse of office charges after she facilitated the importation of unchecked goods from Mozambique worth more than $100 000.
Ngoni Sharon Murandu (35) is alleged to have connived with the security guard on duty to forgo the normal clearance checks for a truck that was carrying the goods on September 18 last year, prejudicing the State of $102 453 in import duty.
The offence came to light this week when a Zimra loss control officer was making follow-ups on other issues relating to the truck, leading to Murandu’s arrest.
Mutare magistrate Perseverance Makhala rolled over the matter to February 4 for trial continuation.
Murandu is out of custody.
Representing the State, Mr Nyasha Mukonyore told the court that on September 18 last year, a truck carrying 86 bales of fleece fabric and 20 curtain punchers entered the country without being cleared by the customs officer on duty.
He said Murandu, who was fully aware of the entry requirements, attended to the truck, but did not bother to check its customs clearance papers.
“As customs officer, she was mandated to check that all commercial trucks with goods have been cleared and have the proper customs clearance documentation before they enter into the country,” said Mr Mukonyore.
He said the truck was later found and impounded in the Nyakamete industrial area.
Online Reporter